Livingston Reporting - page 297

Creating A Favorable First Impression With Your Landscaping

Posted on by Creative Programs and Systems - Updated

A well maintained landscape only increases the overall value of your home and neighborhood.  In home remodeling it isn’t only bathroom and kitchen design that matters when it comes to increasing worth.  A landscape that is well designed only enhances curb appeal and creates a favorable first impression.

A landscape contractor provides a diverse assortment of services.  Most offer a combination of services including; landscape design plans, lawn care and maintenance, mowing, sprinklers, walkways and more.

Finding a team of experts in landscaping services will be easier when using the tips below.

1)      First things first define your landscape needs.  Are you looking for lawn care such as mowing and maintenance or are you looking to create a new landscape all together.  Landscape companies can come in weekly, monthly or anything in between depending on your needs.

 

Before contacting a landscaper define what you are looking to get out to their services and the relationship you desire.  Decide what time of time commitment you are looking for.  It will help the landscaper as well because they may not be able to handle your needs.  If you need your lawn mowed every week but they don’t time slots available for that you will not want to waste your time or theirs interviewing them.

 

2)      Set a budget and stick to it.  It is easy to get overwhelmed with decisions when in the middle of the chaos and new landscape options.  Plants can easily sway your budget out of control.  Have a budget and stick to it.  If you have a monthly budget of a hundred bucks a month you may not be able to afford to get your lawn cut every week, you may need to reevaluate what you can afford.  Maybe you will have to only have lawn service once every two weeks to stick within your budget.

 

3)      If you are having your landscaping completely overhauled with a new design consider your timeline.  Do you need the landscape done before a graduation or other event being held at the house?  Make sure the landscape design artist have people available to get the job done in the time frame you need it done otherwise you will have to look to someone who can.

 

4)      So many things go into choosing a company.  Consider the length of time the landscaper has been in business and the referrals from others that have used their services.  Time in business doesn’t always guarantee that they will do a great job however time often brings with it experience.  Referrals are an excellent way to see what type of work that the team of landscape experts can do.  You will see a variety of landscapes and maintenance achieved by the contractor and their team.

When finally deciding upon a company make sure that you are overseeing the work done on your landscape with the designer.  This was you can catch any errors or adjustments needed prior to the job being complete.  It is harder to fix something after it is completed thank if you catch it mid process.  It is also important in maintenance and lawn care that you keep up on what is being done and that you address any issues as they arise.  Seeing weeds the day after the crew has been to your home to maintain the lawn is unacceptable is one of those things you should address to makes sure you are getting exactly what you are paying for.

 

 

CBA Outdoor Services

Hiring An Exterminator Verse DIY Pest Removal

Posted on by Creative Programs and Systems - Updated

When it comes to pest control services hire a professional! By the time you try to eliminate the pests on your own with expensive chemicals and fail you could have had the professionals do it.  It just makes sense to start there in the first place.  Pest infestations of all types are nearly impossible for the untrained professional to completely eliminate let alone prevent from coming back.  From termite infestations to bed bugs, pests are ridiculously hard to eliminate from your home.

There are several benefits to hiring a professional exterminator.  The first is the expense.  It may seem that the initial outlay for a professional is a lot in comparison to running to the store and purchasing some over the counter product. This may be true to begin with but in the end when you have to continue running to the store as you discover the pest problem is not eliminated those chemicals as well as time spent will add up to more than the initial fee, treatment and prevention that comes with hiring an exterminator.

Hiring a professional is often more convenient than running out buying supplies and the labor intensive process of eliminating them.  A professional will work to meet your demands in pest removal, elimination and prevention.  Most exterminators work twenty four seven and will work to schedule appointments when convenient to homeowners.   Although a pest infestation is never convenient a professional exterminator can make the situation a lot easier for the homeowner to handle.

Another major difference is the experience level between a professional and a do it yourself homeowner.  Their experience allows them to come into a situation, identify the issues and treat the problem.  They also have the knowledge and understanding of what needs to be done next to prevent the pest issue from reoccurring.  An exterminator offers much more experience and expertise than the label on a can of insect spray.

Chemicals come with risks, especially pest killers.  If you apply chemicals without being knowledgeable about their risks you put yourself, family and pets at risk.  Hiring an exterminator eliminates the risks involved with pest control.  Pest control specialists use Integrated Pest Management (IPM) which safeguards human and environmental health by using the least toxic methods first.

The effectiveness of do it yourself products is often less than desirable.  Household pests often become “immune” to store bought chemicals.  When you hire a professional pest removal company you hire an exterminator who has up to date information on changes to chemicals that are effective for your specific type of pest infestations.

Another major difference is the warranties and guarantees that come along with extermination services over store bought products.  Check with different exterminators before hiring one to eliminate, control and prevent pest problems within your home.  Make sure that you are hiring a company that offers a warranty for which they will come back to your home, at no charge, to retreat an infestation if a re-occurrence happens.  A good extermination company will stand by their products and services.

Best Pest Removal LLC

Finding The Perfect Electronic Entry Gate For Your Homes Driveway

Posted on by Creative Programs and Systems - Updated

Driveway gates are a super-efficient way to establish boundaries around your home creating security and isolation.  When you look into purchasing an electronic gate and gate operator you will look into options available based on the security level needed and your budget.  When considering a driveway gate for your home consider the fact that it must open to allow a variety of sized vehicles into your yard.  If you need a tree cut down you will need the truck to have access to your home through the driveway.  The gate should allow for their entry.  You should also consider that the gate needs to be sized appropriately to the driveway as well as have the features you are looking for and the strength within the gate operating system to support the gates function.

The size of the electronic driveway gate is super important.  In the past many families have chosen to base the height and width based on their own vehicles.  The problem with this, as mentioned above, is that at some point and time a vehicle may need access to the property that is bigger than yours.  It could be a delivery truck, a moving van or new larger vehicle to support your growing family; the fact is the gate needs to be versatile. Leave extra space to ensure proper clearance to avoid accidents with your new automatic entry driveway gate.

Another choice that you are able to consider when it comes to automatic entry gates is the access entry; manual or automatic. A manual gate would need to be opened and closed by hand.  The next is automatic entry.  Access that is automated can be via remote access, keypad or one of several more access entry systems.  Power can be established to the gate operator via electricity or solar power.  The options and choices in electronic driveway systems are truly endless.

Gate designs choices range from sliding gates to swing gates.  Choosing between the two will depend on your space.  A sliding gate needs space free on the wither sides of gate where as a swing gate needs to have space towards the front and back.   Swing gates are incredibly popular and are the least expensive option of the two.  You, as the homeowner, need to decide which option is best for your home and driveway design.

Most electronic entryway driveway gates are made in aluminum or wrought iron.  If you live in an area known to have a severe climate you will want to choose a material that is sturdy enough to withstand the climate and winds.  The gate as well as posts and hinges should perform well under a variety of conditions and workloads.

When it comes to different safety features and your driveway gate is essential to think about taking precautions to avoid accidents.  You must ensure that when the gate is installed that the gate extends past the driveway when open and that the gate operator has a mechanism to stop the gate from closing if anything should be in its way. The fence is in place to promote the safety of your home.  It is up to you to make sure the fence functions correctly and is in place to keep your family in and outsiders out.

SAC Fence

Hiring a Home Remodeling Contractor Verse DIY Home Renovations

Posted on by Creative Programs and Systems - Updated

When it comes to home remodeling projects whether you are a do it yourself homeowner or a general contractor you should always consider what you are doing to help or hurt the progress of the renovation.  There are several major things that can stall a project adding weeks, maybe even months, to a simple remodeling project.  Below are some tips to help homeowners working with a contractor or doing renovations themselves to help keep the project on track budget and time wise.

The first tip is super important. Don’t postpone the decision making process.  For a remodel to go well you really need to have a plan and make decisions before the project takes off.  It is wise to give some forethought into complications that could arise and actions plans to compensate.  You might think that the complications to projects are what really delay the remodel but this in fact is wrong.  Most contractors will tell you the biggest project delays come from homeowners making the small decisions such as the color of the paint or what type of faucet to purchase. Every detail of the remodel, no matter how big or small works in conjunction with other aspects of the project.  It is a domino effect; each piece relies on the other.

Being indecisive and changing what you want at any point throughout the project will result in added costs and time.  Even a minor change can throw the scheduling off especially when more than one contractor’s schedule is involved in the project.  Time is spent communicating changes to everyone involved on the remodel as well as the increase to the budget for everyone’s time as well as new materials.  You can see how a decisive, clear, well thought out plan helps with entire remodeling project from a kitchen redesign to finishing a basement.

Sometimes there are situations in home remodeling where you can actually invest money to improve the house that will actually not add an equity value to the home.  For instance, if you live in a community filled with starter homes adding a gourmet kitchen to the house may be something you desire but come time to sell you will not recoup the value.  Also, make sure that you are renovating where it is important to the home. New cabinets and a fancy kitchen do nothing for your home value if paired with cracking foundations and old plumbing. Sometimes it is better to look into remodeling where you need to rather than where you want to.  Invest money into your home that will help you achieve the maximum return on investment and equity into your home.

A budget is set forth before a project of any magnitude is taken on.  It is important to have the money to cover what is needed.  The best advice anyone can give when remodeling is to have a contingency fund set aside in case something does arise.  A contingency fund isn’t money to be used frivolously on material upgrades and such but instead there if something happens in the process that was not planned for.

 

Glen Miller The Home Doctor

Help Determining If A New Roof Is In Your Homes Future

Posted on by Creative Programs and Systems - Updated

When it comes to having your roof replaced there is a lot to think about and consider.  Often homeowners are unsure if a whole new roof is necessary or if the existing roof is in need of some minor repairs.  The best way to know is to have a local roofing contractor come out to the house and do a free consultation, evaluating the homes roofing materials as well as the structural soundness of the roof.  Replacing a roof can be an expensive investment.  A roofing contractor will advise you about the seriousness of the roofs condition and advise homeowners on the best steps to take going forward.

Below is a list of thing every homeowner should know about roofing and options available before ripping off their old roof to install a new roof.

The first and most obvious is that the new roof is going to be expensive and it will alter your life for the week.  When a new roof is needed it is important to make sure everyone in the household knows what is going on. A new roof is best installed when life is not chaotic and nothing pertinent for the family is happening.  The stress that comes along with paying for a new roof and living in the home while the roof is installed is exhausting. Having a new baby, starting a new job, kids studying for exams are all really good reasons to delay a new roof install. Installing a new roof will be loud and you should be prepared for early mornings.  The best time for roofers to remove shingling and tear up old roofing materials is in the morning when temperatures have not peeked.

Another thing to think about when beginning a new roof installation is the material that you will use for your roof.  Shingles are a common choice for homes here in the North however; metal roofing is becoming a close second.  When considering materials to use it is best to do benefits analysis to decide if the extra money for a metal roof is worth it in the long run over shingling.  If you plan on staying in your home for a long time a metal roof will stand the test of time and you will not need to worry about the hassle of a new roof in twenty years.

When choosing a contractor the best way to find reliable roofers is to check online as well as asking neighbors, friends and family for referrals.  If you find a roofer online it is important that you are able to contact their referrals to ensure they are satisfied with the job that was done on their home.  It is the appropriate time to ask about the time frame of the job as well as cost in comparison to the original quote.  Homeowners should also consider asking about the mess, the cleanup and the professional nature of the crew.  These are important things to inquire about before you hire a roofing contractor.  A roofing contractor can seem incredibly professional when selling you on a new roof but finding out what they are like in the heat of a roof replacement is what you need to know.  Asking their referrals is a sure fire way to know ahead of time what you are getting into.

The last thing to do before any work is done replacing or repairing a roof is to have a signed contract.  A contract between the roofer and the homeowner should include labor and material costs, an estimate on competition time and a copy of the roofers insurance. It is important that the roofer covers insurance coverage for the employees.  This responsibility is not that of the homeowners and is not theirs to be liable for should an accident occur.  All reputable roofing companies will have no problem supplying you with proof that they are fully insured.

Trusting the people working on your home is a number one priority.  Hiring a company for a big job such as a new roof is not something to consider lightly.  The homes roof is structurally important to the house and therefore care should be taken when work is done on it.

 

Home Pro Roofing MI

Selling Secrets for Home Sellers In Any Market

Posted on by Creative Programs and Systems - Updated

Like many sellers, you are probably feeling some apprehension at putting your house on the market.  It is hard to sell something that you are so deeply invested in financially and emotionally.  In your home you see the connections of memories made and life lived.  This is hard to move past but is a necessary step to ensure that you don’t accidentally sabotage your selling efforts.

The first selling secret I share with homeowners getting ready to put their home on the market is to take the home out of the house.  That’s right; in order to market and sell the house it can no longer be your home.  You have to detach completely.  Start the process my packing away all the personal artifacts that are all around you.  Family photos, collections and personal keepsakes should all be removed from the home and put into storage.  The buyer should walk in and see themselves and envision the life they will live in this home not the remnants of the life you have had.

Another selling secret it to place a third of your belongings in storage; anything that is not important to your existence in the coming months while you sell your home should be in storage. This is important especially in closets and storage areas.  By eliminating the bulk in storage areas it gives the appearance that the homes storage is plentiful.  Make the home as neutral and spacious as possible it will help buyers envision their belongings in the home.

It is also important when selling your home to minimize distractions or nuisances.  Mainly this refers to the critters that live with you.  A dog, cat or bird may seem ideal to you but the sight conjures up feelings in others that are not always positive.  Remove evidence including food bowls, cat scratchers, kitty boxes and pet hair.  All of these things can lead home buyers to picture the home as unkempt and unclean.  The complete opposite impression that you are hoping your home makes on impressionable home buyers.

The most universal tip that a real estate agent will give is regarding your homes first impression.  The old saying is true; you never get another chance to make a first impression and neither does your home.  No matter what the inside of the home looks like the buyer has already judged the space before they have even walked through the door.  The entrance to your home should make buyers feel warm, welcome and safe.  We all know that when you live in the space it needs to be functional however when selling you need to take function out and bring inviting in.  Instead of a coat and shoe rack add a small antique table and side chair perhaps adding some fresh flowers as well.  This is the impression you want the buyer to take away with them.

You never know when your buyer will walk through your door so make sure that every open house and viewing is treated with the same care as the first.  Your home should be in shape to be shown on a moment’s notice.  The pain and suffering you experience when maintaining a pristine home will be rewarded with an asking price offer.

Lake and Land Real Estate

Add To Your Home’s Value With These Simple Upgrades

Posted on by Creative Programs and Systems - Updated

Are you looking for ways to spruce up your home without spending a ton of money and ending up in the poorhouse? Homeowners are often looking for quick and easy home improvement projects to make their home more desirable to sell or for their own personal enjoyment.  Whatever your reason it is important to know that the cost of the project verse the payback can differ based on a few things such as the homes overall condition, the market in which the home is located and outside factors such as the season in which you are selling.

One improvement that is sure to pay you back is in the kitchen.  This is not to say you need to go through an extensive, expensive kitchen renovation however making sure the look of the kitchen is clean and updated is important.  A few tips to updating the look of your kitchen on a budget include updating the faucets, cabinet hardware, and lighting.  These are all reasonably priced items that can add to the overall look of the kitchen.  Another option, if the kitchen cabinets are old and new cabinets are out of the question is cabinet resurfacing.  This is a cheaper alternative which uses the solid base cabinets in place by updating the surface making the kitchen area look brand new.

In the kitchen it is also important to have appliances that match.  If this is an issue in your home and you are looking for an inexpensive way to make them all match consider two options.  The first is to call the manufacturer and see about ordering a new front panel to match other existing appliance.  This is a lot less expensive than all new appliances.  The second option is to check into companies that sell scratch and dent appliances for next to nothing.  If the dent is on the side or back of the appliance and this portion will not be seen who cares.  Scratch and dent appliances are at least half off the retail price.

The next room in the house that really adds to the value of the house is the bathroom.  In order to spruce this area up in a budget there are several things you can update on a shoestring budget.  Bathroom flooring, a new toilet seat and a pedestal sink are all simple renovations that can be done by most homeowners that make a bathroom spiffy.  Thoroughly clean all grout to renew the sparkle and replace any tiles that are chipping in the tub area.  A strong tub cleaner should be used to bring out the bright white in your tub as well.  A clean bathroom is a huge selling point for a home.  Dingy tiles and dirty flooring will turn buyers away as the space will look unkempt which gives the perception if a homeowner that does not care about the upkeep of the home.

Your home is your sanctuary. When people are looking for a new home to purchase they are looking for an appealing space.  As a seller it is your job to present a clean, neutral space in which buyers can envision themselves.  Giving buyers a kitchen and bathroom space that are up to date and clean will have them overlooking the more minor stuff such as the small laundry room.

 

 

Lake and Land Real Estate

As A Father When Going Through A Divorce and Child Custody Agreement Avoid These Mistakes

Posted on by Creative Programs and Systems - Updated

The first question many of fathers ask upon meeting with a divorce attorney is; how can I win my child custody battle?  When fathers in divorce ask this question it may not be all about winning however about getting the best results for themselves and their children.  It may be about joint custody, sometimes it is about ensuring that they still have a say in parenting decisions and reasons that vary depending upon the situation at hand.

As a divorce attorney it is our job to look at the entire situation and make sure that the children’s best interests are met throughout the divorce process including in child custody arrangements.  Most fathers end up seeking joint custody and shared parenting.  In most divorce cases when one parent is awarded sole custody the children’s best interest is not being met. We do our best to represent fathers throughout the process of divorce.  Here are some mistakes to avoid making when going through a separation, divorce and child custody situation.

The first mistake many father make is leaving the marital home before they have consulted with an attorney.  Don’t feel pressured to move out of your home and leave your children behind.  When you are separated from your home and children you are hurting your case and your children.  It is important to seek council to develop a parenting plan of action to decide the next step in the process.

Another mistake that fathers often make is not spending enough time with their children.  It is important for all parties involved to stay active in their lives.  Still attend softball games and take them to soccer practice.  Take them to the park, go swimming and play games with them no matter what part of the divorce process you are involved in.  It is important to maintain their lives and routine.  If you have your children during the school week sit and take time to help with homework and touch base with their teachers.  Your children will excel if you remain an important part of their daily routine.  If you aren’t able to physically be with them stay in touch via facetime, skype or frequent phone calls. All of this will benefit your custody goals as well as your relations ship with your children.

When it comes time to dealing with your ex widen your view point.  It is time to treat her like a business partner, bringing too much emotion when it comes to child custody is not helpful.  You want to maximize your case and results and this will take some control of emotion.  Don’t get livid or malicious, maintain yourself.  Your composure will be helpful when it comes time to deliberate child custody and support agreements.

Divorce is never easy especially when children are involved.  It becomes personal no matter how hard you try to prevent that from happening.  Prevent over sharing with you children, they should never be burdened with your feelings towards their mother.  Your stress should not be theirs.  Make sure you are receiving adequate support and that you are able to discuss your feelings with someone that can assist you in making sense of them and moving forward.

Longton Law

Find Expert Representation In Your Divorce and Child Custody Agreement

Posted on by Creative Programs and Systems - Updated

When it comes to getting a divorce there is nothing easy about it.  Every detail of the process can seem overwhelming but when it comes to hiring a divorce attorney it doesn’t have to be.  This is the person that you will turn to and rely on as your progress through the divorce process. Your divorce attorney is the one that will fight for you and your rights when it comes to everything from child custody to who is the rightful owner of the lamp you were given by some obscure relative when you were married 12 years ago.

You can imagine the decision to hire an attorney should be more of a process than scanning through the yellow pages to find the biggest ad.  You will also not that hiring a divorce attorney is not a simple as calling up the firm that helped draw up your will. You will need to do some research into local family law lawyers and find one that is experienced in divorce and mother’s rights.  When you hire a family law attorney you are hiring an individual that has significant trial experience and has passed several rigorous law exams to become specialized in the field.   A board certified family law specialist is the only type of attorney to hire to handle the ins and outs of your divorce.

You will know that you have found the right attorney to handle your divorce during your first consultation.  If you meet with an attorney that can’t speak to you in plain English that is not the attorney for you.  The divorce attorney you want representing you can speak to you in plain English and does not get overly involved in the technical jargon to speak to you about your case and how it will proceed.  Right away you will know if the individual is someone you can talk freely with, if you are comfortable with them and if they are trust worthy.  During a divorce many personal and intimate details about your marriage are displayed.  You will want to make sure your attorney is someone that you can openly speak with and get answers that you understand.

When you are going through a divorce and you have children involved it is especially important that you find an attorney that will be looking out for your best interest as a mother.  Divorce attorneys for moms are attorneys that have trained to fight for mother’s rights in divorce, child custody and support issues.  They will understand that your children’s best interest is what is at hand and will pursue reasonable child custody and support agreement.

When it comes to negotiating the terms of your divorce and child custody arrangements the model family law attorney will be available to you, will be a great problem solver and will work well in negotiations between you, your ex and the court.  Even if you and your spouse plan to mediate and come to an agreement outside of the jurisdiction of the court it is important to note that the best laid plans are often just that plans.  When hiring attorney representation you are hiring not only someone able to mediate for your best interest but someone that in the end if necessary will stand representing you in a divorce trial if needed.

 

Longton Law

Seeing Straight When Choosing An Eye Surgeon

Posted on by Creative Programs and Systems - Updated

When it comes to having surgery there is a lot to think about.  This is especially true when it comes to eye surgery.  In society our five senses seem to be taken for granted.  It’s impossible to consider them every time we see, taste, smell, hear or feel something but when the thought of surgery comes into play they are heavily contemplated.

LASIK eye surgery is available to help patients who wish to improve their eyesight with laser surgery.  Many people who have undergone laser eye surgery have said that it not only improved their eye sight but their overall quality of life.  When considering having surgery on something as delicate as eyes how do surgery candidates choose a qualified vision center with a reputable staff to oversee your procedure?

Many decisions that are made are done so with only one thing in mind; cost.  This is not the way to go about choosing a LASIK surgery provider.  A great deal is something you get on a new pair of shoes not on something as important as your eyes.  Cost plays a factor in an elective surgery however there are a number of things that should come first.

One thing that is important when choosing an eye surgeon to operate is the cleanliness of the facility.  The truth is a dirty facility is a breeding ground for germs. Surgery is to be performed in a sterile environment especially when it comes to a delicate area such as the eye.  A reputable vision center and LASIK provider will offer a waiting room, office and exam rooms that you could eat a meal off of any of the surfaces.  It will be tidy and hygienic.

Another factor when choosing a facility and surgeon is their equipment.  With something as delicate as eye surgery the technology is advancing at quiet a rapid pace.  With that being said it is important to find a surgeon who is up to date on all of the latest laser techniques and equipment.  Two different procedures are done in LASIK one is a hundred percent bladeless laser technique and one uses a microkeratome blade.  Most patients prefer and are able to have the bladeless technique.  If the option is not available to you questions.  It could be that the surgery you require is not done in that fashion however if it’s because they don’t offer it at the clinic you are being examined at look elsewhere.

Another important factor when it comes to surgery on your eyes is the staff.  When you have surgery the surgeon and supporting staff are all important.  The supporting staff will be with you throughout the surgery and should be knowledgeable, professional and willing to assist with concerns.  Your results are based on the collective effort of everyone in the office.  With that stated it is important that you are comfortable, relaxed and at ease with the staff surrounding your surgery from the surgeon to the billing coordinator.

Having LASIK surgery can enhance your life.  Invest the time and effort in finding a provider dedicated to you.  This decision will pay you back ten-fold when you are able to see clearly without glasses or contacts.

 

Rohr Eye & Laser Center