Livingston Reporting - page 313

Choosing Between A Gas and Electric Furnace

Posted on by Creative Programs and Systems

There are some home improvement choices that are difficult however purchasing a new furnace should not be.  This article will give you information on purchasing a new, energy efficient furnace for your home. This list will help serve as a guide of what you might want to look for when you are researching a new furnace for your home.

The first decision to make is what type of furnace you will be purchasing. Will you be looking towards a gas or electric furnace?  This decision is often made easier when replacing an old unit as the duct work has been set for the one that is already in the house.  Your budget will need to increase if you are looking to convert from electric to gas or from gas to electric.  This is a personal decision as both methods provide energy efficient options and create the end goal; which is heat for your home.

Let us first take a look deeper into gas furnace systems.  When looking at a gas furnace it is important to point out that this option is more affordable than choosing to go with an electric furnace as a source of heat.  Of course this implies that a gas source is readily available and accessible.  It is important to point out that the downside to gas furnaces is the fumes related to burning fuel.  In a system that is well maintained the fumes generated are sent into an exchanger and then pushed through an exhaust fan out of the house.

When you have a gas furnace it is important to work in the cost of yearly maintenance.  With a gas system it is important to have the gas furnace system tuned up and checked out by a qualified furnace professional once a year before the season begins. They will check out the gas furnace system for holes, leaks or cracks.  A crack within a gas furnace system could lead to carbon monoxide seeping into your home which could prove to be deadly.

An electric furnace is the next option in home heating that the majority of homeowners choose.  Electric furnaces have a higher operating expense than gas furnaces however are generally safer as they do not use a flame and do not generate carbon monoxide.  Having an electric furnace rather than gas often proves to be a cleaner, safer way to heat your home.

The first and foremost decision for new construction or homeowners needing to replace their homes heating is to determine between gas and electric.  Many homes are equipped with systems currently but can be converted if desired.  It is important that owners weigh the pros and cons of both systems; the money spent on yearly maintenance for a gas furnace might be equal to the higher monthly bill of an electric furnace.  These are all cost verse savings estimates that need to be looked at when favoring one system over the other.

Once this has been determined there are a number of other items that come into play and will be more dependent on the budget you have to outfit your home with a new furnace.  Options within the quality of the furnace, the furnaces efficiency, different control features and the noise the furnace produces. We will take a look more in-depth in another article in regards to the details of these features.

Airtronic Heating and Cooling

Men’s Jewelry That Makes A Statement

Posted on by Creative Programs and Systems

Considering the way many men feel about shopping, let alone shopping for jewelry for themselves, one can understand why many men choose simply not to wear jewelry.  This is a sad reality. This article will give men a look at purchasing jewelry for themselves that will eliminate the mystery involved.

The first things to determine is exactly what type of pieces are you looking for.  When it comes to making a jewelry purchase are you looking for something that is classic and can be worn to work all the time or are you looking for some fun, funky styled jewelry that may be worn when you are going out on the town.  Narrowing down the jewelry purpose will also help you narrow down exactly what you are looking for.

Nice jewelry to be worn for business, church or dinners out for men can include a simple chain necklace, a classic watch or a bracelet.  Nothing over the top but something simple and classic in one tone should do the job for these types of events.  However if you are looking to make a statement with your jewelry and are a man looking for pieces to accentuate the edge metro sexual style you are trying for try a layered look with bracelets and necklaces of different materials. Simple metals might not do.  Check into rope, hemp materials and leather.  Consider simple solid metal rings worn on a thumb.  This look creates funky, fun styles that appeal usually to younger men or men that are a bit trendier and have an aura of edge.

It can help if you know a bit of information when it comes to jewelry as well.  Color is something that was mentioned above.  Jewelry comes in a variety of metals and materials.  The silver look can be achieved using a variety of metals that range in price: titanium, platinum, white gold and sterling silver.  When looking into the gold tones you can choose between gold in a variety of carats, copper and bronze.

It is also important to use terms when it comes to the jeweler’s size and proportions when it comes to choosing something for men.  Men should say what they want if the piece is to be bold a slender link is not going to work. Use good descriptive words to express to the jeweler what you want to achieve.  For instance if you are purchasing a set of cufflinks you can’t expect the jeweler to know what you are looking for if you go in and say that you are looking for cufflinks that aren’t overly showy.  Explain to the jeweler what this means to you.  Showy to one person is drab to another.

Men’s jewelry comes in a variety of price points just as ladies jewelry.  Be upfront when looking for a piece.  The jeweler might sway you towards something costly when in actuality you are looking for more of a costume piece. Being upfront with your budget will help the jeweler stay within your price point when giving you options to achieve the look you desire with your men’s jewelry purchase.

DaRoche Jewelers

Engagement Ring Shopping Made Simple

Posted on by Creative Programs and Systems

For most men shopping is a task they could avoid forever.  Purchasing trousers with a shirt that is a match is enough to put them into panic let alone when choosing a piece of jewelry that will solidify their relationship forever.  Picking out an engagement ring is difficult for most men especially those that are not comfortable with the shopping experience to begin with. Walking into a jewelry store for the first time can be a mixed bag if emotions and once sat down in front of a selection of rings can turn from just a bit uncomfortable to downright overwhelming.

When seeking out a place to purchase an engagement ring the first piece of advice I like to give is to look locally.  Often times the large a franchise the more difficult it is to get one on one attention.  Really what men in search of the perfect ring need, for his perfect match needs is someone who is there to listen, take in the man’s wants, needs and budget and supply them with suitable options. Small jewelry stores are more apt to give you this friendly one on one service and will recognize you and remember what you are looking for the next time you are in.  Online jewelry companies can often offer you more bang for your buck as well.  It is a good idea to think outside the box when it comes to shopping large retailers.

Here are some tips to take in with you when you are in search of the perfect ring to take your relationship to the next level.  This information will help you no matter if you are in search of a beautiful halo engagement ring or a simple, yet classic diamond solitaire.

The first thing is to do away with the rule that states you should outlay three months worth of your income on a diamond.  In today’s economy this is a myth.  For some women this is not necessarily what they would desire anyhow.  When you have found the perfect women to spend your life with set a ring budget and find something she will adore within it. The fact is that the perfect ring may not cost all of what you think it will why spend three months income on this one item when in the coming months you will need every penny to contribute to the day you say I do.

The first thing you will hear when you research a diamond is the lesson on the four C’s of diamond shopping; cut, clarity, color and carat.  You will be flooded on information when it comes to each area of diamonds.  When considering the cut of the diamond you will also need to consider the setting in which the diamond will be placed and the style your wife to be will desire.  The cut is the most important item to determine because the cut of the diamond will determine the sparkle.  Sparkle trumps size.  Really shiny, brilliant cut jewelry appears larger than pieces that are bigger carat wise but the cut leaves something to be desired.

Here is another secret to consider.  Many people think that diamonds can only be purchased on the carat or half carat.  This is simply not true.  You may save yourself hundreds of dollars by purchasing a diamond ring that is .95 of a carat over 1 carat with the only visible difference being the money in your wallet.  These differences are not even noticeable to people who will be mesmerized by the sparkly new bling your wife to be is possessing.

Make sure your purchase is returnable.  Not that we think she will say no but just encase you have picked out something that leaves her less than thrilled.  This inevitably is a piece she will wear forever and you want her to be happy in the long run.  Don’t let your manhood be hurt if she does decide she would rather have something different just remember the how daunting the process was from the start.  She will appreciate your effort and be grateful to find something that better suits her tastes.

 

DaRoche Jewelers

Restoring Your Life and Home To Normal After A Fire

Posted on by Creative Programs and Systems

When fire damage wreaks havoc on a home something is lost that is not replaceable on any level and that is the homeowner’s peace of mind.  Even after the flames have been put out when the time comes to look around and be grateful that loves ones are safe homeowners still have a huge sense of loss within them.  Losing security when it comes to the place called home is something hard to get over.  It is hard to believe that someday normal will happen again as far as the daily routine.  The question on most homeowner’s mind after a house fire is where to begin starting over.

The first issue at hand is to call your insurance agent and ask for assistance in finding the basic necessities regarding shelter, clothes for the family and food.  In some instances the fire damage to the home is minimal or at least sustained in a few rooms in which case homeowner’s and their families are able to enter, once declared safe, to retrieve necessities.  It is important to leave anything that is vulnerable to contamination such as food, even if it has remained sealed.

Your insurance agent will be able to go over the very specific details of the policy that the home is insured under.  This will determine compensation for damage done from the fire.  This usually includes relocation if it is determined that the home will be uninhabitable for any length of time.  This housing may be a hotel for more short term needs or a rental home if it is thought that you will be without shelter for a while.

The next step in the process is assessing the actual damage done by the fire and the water damage from putting out the fire.  An adjuster will come out, once the insurance agent contacts them, and will note all of the damage to the home and possessions inside of the home. As a homeowner you also have the right to hire a public adjuster who will come through and asses the home as well.  This may end up netting the homeowner a bigger claim than what would be given when only dealing with the insurance company and adjuster they have hired.

Once this is squared away you are able to start rebuilding your home as well as your life.  This process clearly will take some time.  It is necessary to hire an emergency restoration company that can come in and help to salvage pieces of value to you and your family.  Restoration specialists can provide assistance in every direction you may need after a fire damages your family’s home.  Fire restoration services will provide fast clean up for the parts of your home left standing better preparing to restore the function of your home back to normal sooner.

Fire and smoke restoration professionals can find a way to salvage a good deal of items within the space.  Smoke may have seeped into cabinets and furniture even if they were not directly damaged by the fire or water they are still damaged to you.  Restoration professionals will be able to restore these items.  They will also work with homeowners to restore their peace of mind with such suggestions as fire ladders in second story rooms and fire detectors in every room within the home as well as hallways.  Some larger rooms they may even recommend more than one alarm be installed.  Life after a house fire is completely possible and your insurance agent and restoration specialist will assist you in making that happen sooner rather than later.

 

Dreamers Inc Restoration

Basement Clean Up After A Flood

Posted on by Creative Programs and Systems

When there is a substantial amount of rain or snow melt your basement is likely to be at risk for flooding. When your basement is fully finished and experiences a flood it is as difficult to clean it up and return the space back to normal as it would be any other livable space within your home.  Cleaning up an unfinished basement space after a flood is slightly easier.

In the article below are tips on how to clean up after a flood in an unfinished basement space.  When furniture and flooring becomes an element within the space it is best to call in an emergency restoration team to provide optimal clean up to the space.

The first step in clearing out the water out of the space is to ensure the water has a proper spot to drain.  This includes making sure that your sump pump is working and that if you don’t already have a sump pump in place now is the time to have one installed. This will be helpful in draining left over water out of your basement.  If there is a drain in the space use a mop to more the water into the drain if you do not have a drain you will want to mop up the water and squeeze it into buckets to remove it from the space.  The goal in the first step is the remove as much of the actual water in the area.

You will want to then start removing the humidification in the area.  This is done using a dehumidifier and many fans to circulate the air and dry out the basement.  This will take time and is not a process that can be rushed to complete.  Give this process time.  It is important that no area within the space is left moist.  Given the chance mold and mildew will move in and thrive in your damp wet space if it is allowed to stay that way.

The goal in this step is to quickly dry out the space thoroughly without forgetting that even when the space appears dry to the human eye fans and dehumidifiers should still be run for some time to prevent the possibilities of mold and mildew growth.

Mold removal is a job only professional emergency remediation professionals will be able to take care of without spreading the mold. Mold can spread quickly to areas that are conducive to holding moisture.  This means that the mold could spread throughout the home via duct work so it is ever more important that this step is done with care and complete attention to all areas within the space.

Make sure that you take special care in the removal of belongings destroyed within the space.  This is a difficult process and takes a lot of care.   In a basement that is used for storage it is best to use platforms to store items of value so that is a flood does occur your possessions are not ruined.  This of course does not help you if the situation happens and your items are ruined.  It is clear that the best option is to remove the items from this space.  Throw items out that cannot be salvaged and items that need more proper cleaning to be restored should be done in a dry environment.

Any item no matter how near or dear to your heart should be discarded if it cannot be properly sanitized.  Items such as books, cards and paper products are examples of items that should be thrown away.  If you can bleach items and properly sanitize them then dry them out will be safe to use later.

You will want to bleach the floors and walls.  One cup of bleach to five gallons of water is a fair mixture to destroy clingy bacteria.  After this process is done, while wearing protective  gear and proper ventilation you will want to dry out the area once again using the fans and dehumidifier.

You are completely finished with your basement clean up, after a flood, once you are able to stand in the space and feel dry. The environment should be free of moisture and dampness.  If you are unable to achieve this on your own it is in your best interest to call in flood damage restoration specialist to evaluate the scene.

Dreamers Inc Restoration

A Look Into Closed Circuit Television Monitoring

Posted on by Creative Programs and Systems

In a world of ever changing technology people are encouraged to look at their residential and commercial alarm systems.  Thieves are becoming more technologically advanced in their methods and finding new, innovate ways into the private, secure environment you have within your home or business.  This is why it has never been more important to look into and have installed more modern technology to secure your loved ones and valuable possessions.

One piece of technology that is being used more often today is the CCTV DVR.  If you are not familiar with this technology what it stands for is Closed Captioned TV Digital Video Recorder.  This system takes images and records them sending the recording to monitors and televisions hooked into the monitoring system.  CCTV DVR systems have an incredibly large capacity to store and restore images into a non-public entity.  This is why this type of innovative technology is being installed and used in more business and homes than ever before.

As you research different options in alarms and monitoring systems you will come to see that CCTV DVR is one of the simplest and safest monitoring software to rely information back when needed.  This type of system can be used in basically any type of setting that needs monitoring that is stored and able to be recovered easily.

Before installation begins of a closed caption television digital video recorder you must make sure that it will cover the entire location that you are aiming to monitor.  You will want to look into features for the software that are important for the recorders application.  Check for a day and night vision recorder, the resolution of the recording, the number of days that can be recorded and stored, how it will be accessed and a budget for your security system.

A monitoring system will not eliminate the need for an alarm system combined the two make an effective security system for your home or business.  With a CCTV DVR system there are different ways in which recordings are done.  The system records when it detects motion or any change in the environment or when an alarm triggers it.  There are features available that will allow you to see the date and time as well on the recording.

Together a CCTV DVR monitoring system and an alarm system can be used together as effective tools against theft and promote security in your home and business.  Today when thieves are becoming ever more technologically savvy it is more important than ever to have advanced security and monitoring systems to protect your family, possessions and business endeavors.

A CCTV DVR system allows you to have visible access within the allotted monitoring space anytime day or night.  Whether you are monitoring employees when you can’t be around to supervise or children that are being cared for inside your home by a nanny your mind will be put at ease.  The nice thing about type of monitoring and alarm system is that it can be installed within most every budget and space restriction.

 

All Star Alarm

High End Home Improvements On A Budget

Posted on by Creative Programs and Systems

Everyone has advice on ways to improve your home.  Home improvements come in all shapes, sizes and budgets when it comes to a person’s home.  You can improve your home by enhancing your kitchen with some new hardware for the cabinets, a visible home improvement.  A less noticeable way but much needed home improvement includes adding a home security system.  This article will explore various home improvements that completely change the look and feel of your home and those that change the way you feel when you are in your home.

The first home improvement that I like to explore is home security.  There are a variety of home alarms on the market that allow you home to be monitored and secured when you are at home or away.  Besides the standard door locks’ being changed when you purchase a new home it is important to have a home security professional out to advise you on a security system set up for your home.

The smaller the budget the better I say when it comes to improvements within the home because it makes us get creative and use items we have on hand.  My favorite home improvement that packs a huge punch under a hundred dollars comes in the kitchen.  Often time’s cupboards are dated while appliances are changed and improved upon over the lifetime of the space.  A coat of black paint made to the edges of the cupboards or middle piece can make old oak country cabinets updated and modern.  This along with some new hardware completely changes the look of the area under a hundred bucks and leaves you a happy homeowner.

Another inexpensive improvement is something that changes each room in your home at the cost of about thirty bucks a gallon.    Painting your home is the quickest, most inexpensive route to change and improve upon the existing space.   A little fresh color makes every room pop.  Adding a bit of flair to the home using bolder colors really improves the home.

A favorite home improvement if mine is the installation of ceiling fans.  I am a huge fan of reducing energy bills and adding to the look of each room.  Ceiling fans add circulation and help to cool the home throughout the summer months.  Throughout the winter the fan can be reversed pushing the warm air down into the living space.  This combined with adding a unique look to each room makes a ceiling fan another inexpensive home improvement project.

Major home improvements such as furnace installation and central air conditioning are important as our items on the exterior of the home.  Homeowners have the ability to choose where their improvement dollars go when it come to their home.  Function and safety are often projects that come before the addition of the frills and decorative changes.  The end goal remains the same in any project that combines your house and family; improve the space to improve the overall enjoyment of time spent within the space.

All Star Alarm

Choosing The Best Roofing Material For Your Climate

Posted on by Creative Programs and Systems

When it comes to replacing your homes roof the first decision usually is regarding the type of roofing material that will be used.  This article will give you tips on different materials you can choose from for your new roof to ensure you get something long lasting and durable that will stand the test of time.

The first consideration to make when choosing a material to use for your roof is the temperature and climate that you live in.  If you live in a place where the climate is mostly hot asphalt shingles will not hold up well whereas a variable climate with four seasons they are one of the most durable options.  The other nice thing is that asphalt shingling comes are offered in a variety of grades that also come with warranties to back them.  This is something you will want to look into with the roofing contractor that you hire to install the new roof.

Another thing to consider when choosing material for your roof is how you might make your home more energy efficient and eco friendly.  One option that lends itself to energy efficiency and eco friendly is wood shakes.  Wood shakes are a material that will help hold the heat in your home.  While this feature is attractive one con to consider is the durability and fact you will do much maintenance and have more roofs replaced when using this material.  No matter what material you use make sure that you examine the how environmentally friendly the material used is along with the roofing contractor.

If you live in an area where heat is extreme and insects are an issue a good choice in roofing material for your home is clay tile.  Tile roofing is often a pricier option and can be difficult to install because the tiles break easily.  Clay tiles though are considered environmentally friendly and are otherwise an incredibly durable option for homes where freezing temperatures are not an issue.

If you are looking for a low maintenance, easy to maintain, long lasting option in roofing consider a metal roof.  This option is costly however the benefit is that your roof is basically maintenance free and last two times longer than traditional asphalt shingling.  Once metal roofing is installed it will be a long time before you need to worry about it again. This material also holds up well in a mixed climate and can handle drastic changes in temperature.

Make sure you take into consideration the look and style of the home when choosing roofing material options as well.  Color is another thing to consider with the style of your home and roofing material choice you make.  Shingles come in a variety of colors as well as architecturally deep textures and layered looks.  Metal roofing comes in a few colors and the selection is growing as the popularity of the product continues to grow.  The main goal is to make sure you are informed about the materials being installed on your roof in regards to maintenance, upkeep and long term product and labor warranties.  An informed consumer is the best kind of consumer.

 

Home Pro Roofing MI

Hiring A Professional Saves Time and Money In The Long Run

Posted on by Creative Programs and Systems

When it comes to building a new home or having home improvements done on your home it is important to research before you jump into the project.  This also refers to project on the exterior of the home such as the roof.  Whether you are putting on the homes first roof or replacing an existing roof you will want to educate yourself fully on the process.  This way if you realize that there is much more involved than you thought, you can save time and money and hire a professional roofing contractor.

You may ask why it is important to have a well-constructed roof installed.  Is it really that important to the home?  Yes, the roof is the most important component of your home.  Without care and proper installation homes can experience water damage or a variety of other issues.  A new shingle roof, installed by a professional will cost you more than doing it yourself however without proper knowledge homeowners can easily forget valuable steps in installing the roof in order to save some money upfront.  Consider that if an error is made to have it fixed is sometimes more costly than having it done by a professional from the start. However if you are set on going it alone here are some steps to follow.

  • If you are replacing an old roof remove the asphalt shingles.  Much has been written about leaving the old shingles on the roof and applying the new roof on top of it.  This is not necessarily the best option.  When you strip away the layer of shingles you are able to assess the condition of the current foundation before adding on shingles.
  • When looking at the roof foundation check the plywood out and look specifically for any water damage that may have occurred.  Any damage should be repaired by replacing the affected boards and applying all new materials for the damaged section of roof.
  • Examine the drip edges that are in place on the current roof.  If there aren’t any to be found install them, if the ones installed are in rough shape replace them.  They need to be place all along the roof line including on the bottom and sides of the roof.  They can easily be kept in place with roofing nails.
  • The next step is to install a felt paper to the plywood foundation of the roof.  A fifteen pound felt paper can be put in place using a simple staple gun.  This helps to protect the roof from building up moisture.
  • The first step when it comes to the actual asphalt shingles is to place a starter strip of shingles in place.  This will be unseen and provides a strip to prevent water from seeping in between the notches in the shingles.
  • The installation should begin in a bottom corner of your roof moving to the right and then up.  Each shingle should be put into place with a roofing nail just below the tar strip.  You will want to stagger the shingles not allowing them to line up perfectly. If they line up they will leak damaging the roofing below.
  • Any obstructions should have the roofing tiles cut around them and then tar will need to be used to seal them.
  • Shingles should be nailed in until you reach the top.  A ridge cap will be applied to the top. Tar needs to be applied to the corners of all of the ridge cap shingles to hold them in place properly.

As you can see there is a lot to installing an asphalt shingle roof.  Consider the pros and cons of any home improvement project before you embark on the adventure.  There are times when doing it yourself makes sense.  Other times though you will find in the long run you could have saved time and money hiring a professional. Installing a new roof might just be one of those times when hiring a professional is cheaper in the long run.

Comfort Blinds

Innovative Ways To Improve Your Home

Posted on by Creative Programs and Systems

Many home-improvement jobs can be done without a professional.  Homeowners are able to achieve much more than they believe they can on their own when it comes to improving the look and feel of your home.  Often times a big change can happen on a small budget.  Using home design books and tips from the internet will help you get a supply list together for any project that can be done around your home for a big impact to be had.  Below is a list of home improvements to look into that make a big impact on a budget.

The bedroom is a great starter place for home improvements.  Building a new bed frame or re-doing the current one always adds new life to the bedroom.  Something else that adds a big impact is a change in color and bedding.  Adding texture to the walls or using depth with alternating colors is often a statement in the bedroom.  By adding a mirror above a dresser you can add a lot of character as well.  Whether you need help hanging a mirror or refinishing a bed the internet will be a good source for ideas and directions.

Another way to change up a room’s character is with the addition of custom window treatments.  I would leave designing the blinds and shades to the experts and look into installing the window treatments on your own to save on money.  Consider the statement and function of your current window treatments; what do they say about the space?  Custom window treatments give a room character while possession a function within your home.

An example I will give is in my daughter’s recent bedroom renovation.  She wanted layers of window treatments. We knew she needed a dark room to fall asleep in but also that room darkening shades are not stylish for a pre-teen room.  In order to mix both her needs and her wants we looked online and found a company that sells cellular shades that are single celled and offer a blackout effect when used.  They also disappear into themselves during the day.  We installed them with the sheer layering of curtains and valance every pre-teen dreams of and at night the bonus is she can sleep.

Speaking of home improvements where children are involved and do it you self project; consider them when it comes to your project. Kids love to help and it is often a hassle to keep them occupied while you are busy improving the home. Consider involving them in a project that they can complete with minimal supervision.  Make them the supervisor of their project and have them take ownership and responsibility for seeing it through.

For my daughter she was in charge of building two frames with plywood backer.  We pre-measured and cut the items for her. She was in charge of painting and putting them together as well as hanging them.  One is used as a chalkboard and the other as a cork board.  Something simple to work on that kept her out of hair while we painted, redid her bed frame and installed new window treatments.

A simple home improvement project that will help in homes where pipes are in crawl spaces or under sinks with little insulation is by adding pipe insulation. This is simple, cheap and effective in preventing pipes freezing gin the winter and sweating in the summer.  Both which can cause damage to the structures around the pipes over time if not dealt with.

Many home improvement projects can be done by home owners willing to put in the seat equity to get the results desired.  Bigger home improvement projects such as new roofs and barrier free improvements might be where I would call in the professionals but for the minor household improvements most homeowners can handle them easily on their own.

 

Comfort Blinds