Livingston Reporting - page 336

Restoring The Dream After Fire Damage

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Exactly what a homeowner feels upon seeing their home go up in smoke and water being sprayed upon all of their household belongings is something only someone that has been through it can describe.  Seeing smoke billowing out, flames shooting through the roof and firefighters scampering throughout the home are disturbing to say the least.  Once the flurry is subdued a homeowner will need to start working with an insurance professional and a professional emergency restoration service company to get life started in the right direction once again.

It is important for homeowners to know what they are getting into when looking forward to the proper fire and water damage restoration.  The steps are; a site review, an assessed financial figure, repair, an insurance plan and a final inspection for quality.

It is important to get off on the right foot when it comes to restoration services.  A site review will make sure that this happens for homeowners.  A professional will come out and look at the damage.  This may be done in conjunction with an insurance reviewer.  The restoration professional will come out and examine for complete devastation, partial devastation for items that can be repaired and things that are normal and without damage.  Depending on the fire and water damage nothing may be left in the last category.

For this first step and each step here after homeowners need to make sure that the restoration company that they are dealing with is reputable and have proven themselves with restoration services in the past.  It is important that as a professional service they know what they are doing and don’t hesitate when it comes to getting their clients affordable prices along with a quick turnaround for work to be completed.

A financial figure is often something that needs to be reviewed bit by bit.  Not only does a review need to be complete to ensure everything has been included but it should also stand its own when compared amongst other companies quotes.  When comparing quotes homeowners must see what is being paid for and determine between the companies that they have sought out quotes from which offers the greatest amount of services at the most reasonable price in the quickest time frame.  When all of those elements mesh than a homeowner can feel at ease with the company chosen to provide fire restoration to the home.

The next step is the actual work phase of the equation.  Your fire restoration project will begin and given the size of the home and damage needing to be fixed a project manager will guide the project from start to finish.  This person will be the one in charge of seeing that work is completed in a timely fashion and up to the standards set forth in the quote/contract between the homeowner, insurance company and restoration service firm.  Fire restoration is a complicated procedure that must be completed correctly to avoid future damage to the home.

The next step will be for the claims to be submitted to the insurance company for payment.  Many restoration companies will help a homeowner through this process.  They have been through it many more times than the average homeowners therefore know loop holes and procedures before submitting claims.

When the restoration firm has completed work on the home a group of quality inspectors will come out and examine the property.  They will put the home through test for air quality, moisture, etc… and if something is not right will ensure that the problem is dealt with before the final stamp of approval is given on the project.  This ensures that many checks and balances have been done and that the fire restoration to the property is done in the correct manner.

Go Maher

Health Issues Associated With Dirty Carpet

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Carpet cleaning has a reputation of being a luxury more than a necessity.  Without proper care your carpet becomes a health liability.  This is something most people don’t stop to consider before deleting the message to call and schedule their yearly professional carpet cleaner’s visit.   When the call comes in to schedule your children’s well visit to the pediatrician you immediately schedule.  The same will be true about a professional carpet cleaning when you educate yourself on the health risks involved with unclean carpet.

One potential health risk involved with improperly cared for carpet is asthma.  Asthma is caused by many outside influences.  One such influence is unclean, damp carpet.  This environment plays the perfect host to tiny organism and microbial growth.  In turn these minuet creatures increase the risk of asthma in patients living in such environments.    It is important that carpets are maintained and thoroughly dry throughout homes in order to decrease the risks involved with asthma.

Dust mites are another concern involved with unkempt carpet.  Dirty carpet serves as a host and breeding ground for mites which feed off of the bacteria and human skin cells that naturally live within carpet.  If you do not have a professional carpet cleaner the carcasses of dead dust mites are inhaled by homeowners.  This can be extremely hazardous for people whom are allergic to dust mites. It is not only disgusting but also a huge health risk causing eye irritation, skin rashes and nose inflammation.

Mold is also an area that can come into play with carpet that is not regularly maintained with visits for a carpet cleaner.  Asthma attacks increase ten-fold when mold is present.  Mold spores are known to breed bacteria and allergens.  These mold spores are breathed in and can cause issues within ones respiratory system.  If a family is suffering from cold like symptoms that are persistent it is likely the household should have their carpets professionally cleaned in order to remove any bacteria, mold spores and allergens that are breeding within their flooring.

Athlete’s foot does not come only from dirty gym floors anymore. The parasitic organisms found on dirty floors are constantly turned up on carpet flooring.  This in turn allows the organisms into the air and into respiratory tracks and also into even the smallest cut or knick on a person’s foot.  This can lead to athlete’s foot.

It is easy to see how carpet cleaning can seem like a luxury to many homeowners who are struggling to keep their heads a float.  However, this thinking is curtailed when concerns about your family’s health are present.  Professional carpet cleaners suggest carpets should be cleaned every six months.  That is a bit of a stretch for most homeowners who are finding it hard to keep a balance with their spending habits.  It is possible with regular vacuuming and preventative behaviors such as spot cleaning, thoroughly drying spills and using throw rugs to minimize the amount of dirt and microorganisms and bacteria brought into the home in the first place.  Vacuuming every other day with also help in alleviating stains form building up and will help keep bacteria from settling deep within the carpet.

Saniglow

Renovating With A Sale In Mind

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When beginning renovation projects people are especially interested in the net amount of the project.  With each project real estate professionals have narrowed down a formula that allows them to estimate the increase value the final renovation will bring to the house.  Not all renovations or upgrades bring the type of value homeowners expect.  Actually some may put the home at a disadvantage in the market place.  An example of this might be a pool in a state such as Michigan where it is only hot enough to use it three months of the year and the rest of the time it is wasted yard space.

When upgrading it is important to think about factors such as the length of time you will continue to live in this home.  Some larger renovations will pay off more over time while other less expensive renovations will work to get a house sold if the time frame is narrower.  Some of the best upgrades and renovations are ones that can be completed by the average homeowner and do it yourselfer.

The first which is curb appeal renovations.  This can be something minor like power washing the siding, trimming bushes and trees and adding mulch. If the house looks like it has been well cared for and the initial reaction to the home is positive buyers will have a more favorable impression overall.  The first place to do this is by adding details that will add curb appeal to the home.

Along those same lines comes renovating the siding and roof.  A home with fresh paint and awesome windows and door walls featuring blinds between the glass are not going to sell a home with a leaky roof or roughed up siding.  The renovation of siding and roofing is not inexpensive however the renovations can almost pay for themselves with the added value they bring to the home.

Extra space is always a winning idea with home buyers today.  As a society we tend to hold onto a lot of stuff.  That stuff needs to be stored somewhere.  Extra storage space is a high commodity in looking for a new home.  Whether it a closet that is enlarged or added or an attic that is turned into a convenient storage area by using a pull down stairway, storage increases a home’s desirability almost as much as an extra bedroom.

Partial renovations to a bathroom can increase the sale price of a home also.  Outdated bathrooms show a glimpse into the homes past.  What buyers are looking for is the here and now when they will be using the space.  This can be achieved with some simple tile updates, a coat of paint, some fresh caulk and a thorough cleaning.  Pay special attention when designing a new bathroom space to hide things such a toilet brushes and other must haves that are unsightly.

Kitchens are of course one of the upgrades that real estate professionals say brings in the most bang for the bucks.  However, it is also the renovations with the most headaches associated with it.  Partial upgrades in a kitchen can consist of new counter tops and fresh appliances.  These things will take the draw away from the sink that is a bit older.

An overhaul of a home you are trying to sell doesn’t make any sense.  It is important to think about the home and what people value in the area in which the home is located and start there.  As mentioned before it does not make sense to improve the windows and door walls featuring blinds between the glass if the roof is full of leaks and the furnace does not work.  Using common sense in home renovations will yield the biggest return on investment.

Heatkeeper

Following a Budget For Engineering Services

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The internet is all a buzz with different engineering firms. There is definitely not a shortage of firms to hire.  The hard part with this in mind for someone in need of engineering services is that they have to narrow the field down to one.  On top of the options the work load increases for the person hiring the firm too.  It is important to make sure that the right firm is hired on for the project so that disappointment in the end is avoided.

The first factor in determining if an engineering firm is right for your project revolves around the budget.  This factor determines a lot of business choices and in this case is true also.  The belief that a more expensive firm offers better or premium services is not true.  The only thing the price tells us is that they are a more expensive firm.  When looking into the quote that has been given it is important to look at everything that is covered under it.

Engineering services are not cheap.  Don’t expect a fifteen thousand job to be low balled down to ten thousand anytime soon.  The ideal firm for you will be willing to work what you need done into an appropriate budget.  A reasonable figure can be found and there are plenty of companies available to provide the services needed.  When comparing costs it is best to determine what the cost of each individual piece of work is and compare that instead of the overall job.  This way the cost comparison is based more honestly on exactly what services will be provided.

What happens in engineering services is that a firm will have a lower offer to get the job and will then throw in the extras that were not considered to be a part of the original proposal.   That is why it is of the utmost importance to read every document thoroughly before deciding on a company.  This will also help you see exactly what you are getting for your money.  The fine print needs to be examined and anything that is unclear needs to be reviewed with the firm.

A good engineering firm will be able to stick by their estimate.  This is a key element in hiring a firm.  Look into references and ask them about sticking to the original estimate.  If the original estimate was way below the actual costs that firm might not be a proven winner.  It is important that take into consideration the cost of raw materials, transportation, costs with operating and other details that could cause the price of the project to increase before the bid has been established and agreed upon.

The internet is a great source to find information relevant to hiring any type of firm. Use it to your advantage when looking into an engineering firm.  It will lead you to places that will help in finding the right people to work with you.  References are wonderful and will lead you deeper into the quality of the firm you are hiring for.

SRCMI

Gaining Home Security Through Access Control Systems

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As a society I think we are always concerned about the security surrounding our loved ones.  How does your home space protect the family you love and care about?  One way that is becoming ever more popular in landscaping design as well as a security feature is fencing that has access control system capabilities.  This feature allows the homeowner to regulate who is allowed to enter and exit the property using an access control system, such as a keypad or remote control.

This system of accessing space is not new.  It has been used in apartments, hospitals, office building and many more public spaces for a long time.  Just recently the expense of the technology involved has made it a more affordable option in home security as well.  This option is more feasible now for the average homeowner.  The first thing that needs to be in place is a fence around the perimeter of the yard.

Access control system fencing has changes a lot from the days of chain link.  Now day’s homeowners can erect fences in a variety of styles and designs to blend in with their homes naturally aesthetic landscape.  Homeowners can choose between fencing that offers complete privacy so no one can view the property.  The only issue this causes is that the homeowner also cannot see out.  A way around this is by using mirrors strategically placed that allow the property outside of the gate to be viewed.  Another option in fencing that offers height is palisade fence which also offers spaces to see through.

On top of the fencing that supports security around the perimeter of the property homeowner’s need to decide on a gate option.  Gate style options vary greatly as well as how they function.  Homeowners can choose between a swing gate and a sliding gate.  Both options have pros and cons.  Design wise they both are incredibly attractive options.  Sliding gates require less space to enter and exit and they do not swing out into the space that will be driven through.  This is a better option for driveways where space is minimal.

How homeowners choose to gain access through the gate in many different ways.  Some like the options of a key pad entry.  The down fall of this method is that each time you enter the space you need to roll down the window and push in the code.  The upside is that visitors to your home can gain access without having to gain your attention to buzz them in.  Each visitor can be set up with an individualized code so that the homeowner can monitor who has had access into their space.  The most preferable method is remote control.  This allows access with the touch of a button from inside a car or inside the home.

An option to add to the access controlled fence and gate system is security cameras.  This is often a strategy utilized by people with small children who play in the yard or for homeowners who travel a lot and are in need of visual piece of mind.  Security cameras can be set up to be viewed via the internet.  Technology is ever changing and is helping to ease the minds of homeowners that are interested in different types of security options available.

SAC Fence

Moisture Equals Mold In Homes

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Mold is a natural part of our environment.  That is not to say it is a pleasant one when infesting the one thing you pour your life savings into, your home.  Mold does play an integral part in nature by helping to break down dead trees and leaves however are not so helpful when abundantly growing within a home.  A common question amongst homeowners with a mold issue is, “How and why did mold start to grow in my home?”

Mold starts to grow and infest a home right under a homeowner’s nose.  It often goes undetected for a bit of time because mold reproduces by sending out microscopic spores into the air.  As they float through the air they seek out damp, moist areas and the spores land making a home.  These damps surfaces within your home are ideal breeding grounds for the reproduction of more mold spores.  This is of course a very general look at how mold grows and spreads.

It is obvious that mold spores don’t become an issue or problem inside homes until they are given a host spot to breed off of.  The main goal for homeowner’s is to prevent this from happening.  Simple solutions to moisture build up are exhaust fans in laundry and bath areas.  Homeowners should make sure that duct work is ventilated properly so that moisture is not allowed to build up in attics and basements.  Dehumidifiers on air conditioning units are helpful as is looking under sinks and cupboards regularly to inspect for leaks.

Mold is a serious issue not only because it is unsightly but also a hazard to one’s health. Inhaling or mold may cause an allergic reaction to those sensitive to mold.  Asthma can be made worse do to the effects of mold on the respiratory system.  Reactions to mold include; a runny nose, sneezing, eyes that are swollen and red and rashes that affect the skin.  If a homeowner notices that family members are become sick more often than usual they should inspect the home for mold spores.

Mold remediation, or removing mold, is tricky.  Yes, homeowner’s will want to remove the mold but it is impossible to completely remove the mold spores from the air.  The idea is get rid of the present and unsightly mold spot and then remove the source of moisture so that the comfy home the mold has been enjoying is destroyed.  Mold remediation is more about controlling the habitat to prevent future mold growth.

By controlling moisture and fixing issues that allow water and dampness to stick around you are in essences killing the mold.  In mold remediation if a homeowner cleans up the mold issue but then does not fix the moisture problem than the mold is likely to return.  The truth is that the only way that mold spores will not reproduce is to take away their home and food source.  If a homeowner is finding that mold keeps returning even after they feel the problem has been fixed it is best to call in the professionals.  The problem or source could be deeper.  Mold issues that are allowed to fester will eventually destroy a home and its value.

Go Maher

The First Rules In Workman’s Comp

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Lots of people everyday work at jobs which involve situations in which they could become injured.  This is why employers are required to purchase workers compensation insurance.  Workman’s comp exists in every state within the United States.  In most cases the system should involve a worker who is injured or has become ill due to the work environment.  Instead of suing the employer they file a claim against their employers workers comp insurance.

Workman’s comp is designed to help the worker.  It is to help financially fund a worker who has been experienced some time of illness due to the work place.  However, it does sometimes produce outcomes that are less than desired by the party injured or ill due to an employer’s negligence.  The system is complex.  It is not an easy or fast process.  Many people who file workers compensation claims find it in their bets interest to work with a lawyer that specializes in these issues for help on the claim.  Some unions also offer legal support to victims.

There are requirements that must be met by the employee to even be considered able to file a workman’s comp claim.  The two basic necessities are as follows; the employee must have worked for a company that carried workers compensation insurance.  All companies are supposed to have this insurance coverage but not all companies abided by the laws governing society.  Also they must have been injured during work or have an injury specific to the job duty.

The most important step the employee can make in the claim against an employer for workman’s comp benefits is notifying them immediately that a work place injury has happened.  Many workers are afraid to do this obvious step in the process because of bonuses and incentives companies often put on the number of days that a work place has been injury free.  However, this is absolutely no reason to let an injury go without being reported on.

Even if an injury is extensive, if an employee fails to report it right away that gives the carrier reason to deny the legitimacy of the claim therefore denying benefits to a deserving employee.  It is without a doubt the very first key element in a long and lengthy battle to gain compensation under the laws surrounding workman’s comp.  It is also important to realize the longer it takes the more flags that will be raised and the carrier will look more thoroughly into the claim thinking it is perhaps fraudulent and without just cause.

Even after a worker has filed a claim with their employer there is still more work to be done to prevent any case they might have against the claim.  The next step is to report the accident to the state workers compensation board in which the worker works and lives.  This will make sure that all the necessary paperwork has been filled out and obtained to proceed with the claim.

It is important that an employee document the accident for their records also.  Keep copies and records of all communication regarding the accident.  Employers should also obtain information from the employee.  It is important to describe the specific accident, the names of the people that saw it happen; when the accident occurred, under what conditions and where exactly did it occur.

This is just the beginning of a journey involving lots of documentation and paperwork.  Most employers don’t ever want to get involved in such situations because they are time consuming and expensive.  However, even with the best employers who offer work places that are desired it is possible that an injury occur.  This is why it is important even for small companies to carry workman’s comp insurance.

Wutz Seifert

Kitchen Remodeling Exploration

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It is not uncommon to hear of disasters occurring during any remodeling project let alone a major renovation such as a kitchen.  When a kitchen is being updated and not overhauled the issues tend to be smaller and easier to handle.  Homeowners who are really going for a whole new kitchen however may run into far more difficulties.

Correcting issues from a poor initial kitchen design may make many homeowners heads spin.  There is so much to think about when starting a complete kitchen remodeling job.  It is hard to address every issue before it arises but it helps to have some basic questions answered ahead of time and general knowledge of kitchen designs in place.   It is important to look into general issues that can arise and address the before they become major catastrophes.

For instance if your redesign requires removing and replacing cabinets in a different design than currently exists it is important to have a designer come in and talk about the options available.   Doing this step alone is not advisable. Errors are easy to make when measuring and configuring door swing and placement.  Many stores will offer these services free of charge with the order of cabinetry from them.

Another issue is to determine if the new design keeps in mind the rule of the “work triangle”.  The rule states that the most common work spaces, the sink, the stove and the refrigerator should be the most efficient distance from one another, thus allowing the minimization of traffic through the work area.

Another issue that arises is the purchasing of appliances.  It is imperative that homeowners know the size and style of fixtures and appliances in the very beginning stages of design.  The way certain appliances open and close affect spacing so this is certainly something to figure out ahead of time.  The sink fixtures for instance are important to determine ahead of the game.  If a homeowner want the large basin to one side or the other, is the dishwasher going to the left or right of the sink, will it be a drop-in or under mount and where the spray nozzle and disposal are positioned will be important in the design phase.

Kitchen flooring renovations are another area of concern.  It is important to look at the new flooring material and address issues such as extra height involved with certain flooring choices.  If a kitchen is going from linoleum to ceramic or wood that is a big difference.  The height of the cabinets and appliances along with the backsplash all need to be considered.  It is important also to remember that the floor may need an extra backer so it is necessary to take all of these things into consideration when planning for the flooring in the kitchen renovation.

Of course it is important to be happy with whatever purchases and design ideas the new design has in them.  Homeowners should look at the space, consider how it is to be used, define a color pallet have fun with making the kitchen space unique to the home.  It is a renovation most of us will only take on once in a lifetime.  The remodel should be timeless and something the family can enjoy for years to come.

Jason Foldenauer Construction

Loans For Small Business Owners

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Entrepreneurs are some of the most ambitious, adventurous people in our society.  Without the people willing take a risk our society would not be where it is today.  With the economic climate as shaky as it is in our current state some small business owners are looking at loans for business expenses, equipment, advertising and other business related expenses.  Growth in these times is often difficult without the backing of some type of financial source.  Financing these days come from many sources traditional and non-traditional.

First let us look at a loan for small business owners specifically.  The SBA express loan was launched to offer small businesses a chance at a loan backed by the SBA with little hassle in regards to application.  Qualified applicants can obtain a loan for up to one hundred and fifty thousand dollars and are guaranteed to receive a decision within thirty-six hours. The SBA express loan alleviates small business owners from having to go through all of the paperwork that is originally identified with the standard SBA loan.

Next small business owners should look into their local community banks for financial backing.  Although the options in financing may not be as varied as a financial giant smaller community banks offer something large lending institutions cannot and that is their flexibility in dealing with entrepreneurs.  This is something very valuable when owners are looking into financial backing options.

An asset backed borrowing option can be the right choice for some.  This is a way to reduce the risk that entrepreneurs present to financial institutions.   Offering up assets as backing to loans can often help to decrease the credit-risk premium.  If this is the only way to go don’t be discouraged, asset backed loans don’t narrow the terms of the loan.  That is not the case at all.  Assets can be anywhere from a home-equity line of credit to a SBA loan backed by a child’s college savings account.  Pricier options entail loans linked to company’s receivable or contracts billed.

A cosigner is another option for small business owners needing financial backing but not able to obtain financing on their own.  A co-signer is needed when the history of the applicant, in this case the small business owners, has a lacking credit history.  This is a tricky situation for new business owners to get themselves in because the co-signer then becomes liable for the payments on the business loan if the owner defaults.   With new businesses the statistics for success are not weighted in their favor so this is a risky option for a close relationship.  It is best to look outside of this option until it is apparent that all other options have been exhausted.

Loans for equipment, startup and growth amongst other things are all incredibly important reasons for a small business owner to be looking for capital funding.  It is important that as a society we look at small businesses within our communities and support them financially with our business to help them succeed.  With their success comes growth for communities, local and state governments not to mention national growth.  With the economic stupor society is in today it is important that people willing to take risks involved with business ownership are rewarded with business.

Ask 4 Funding

Questions To Ask In Researching Automatic Gate Options

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When making a purchase that is not common and ordinary but requires a larger than normal outlay of money the best option is to research first, buy later.  This is true when it comes to homeowners and the purchase of automatic gates operated with the use of a gate operator controlled by an access control system.  First it is not something an individual can run out and abstractly purchase.  There needs to be much thought given to the homes style to determine the fence style and the occupants needs in security and convenience.

Important questions need to be asked before purchasing the fence and gate system will save frustration later.  If a fence and automatic gate systems has never been in need of purchase before it is important that some guidelines are laid out to help them.  Here are some things to think about when the prospect awaits of an automatic gate.

1)      How many entrance and exits points are there to the property?

  • This is important because systems can be sold in packages that involve single gates or a pair of gates.

2)      Is a swing gate or sliding gate the best option for the property?

  • This will be based upon the length and widths of the driveway and of course the homeowner’s personal preference.

3)      If a swing gate, is it better to open in or out?

  • Most commonly gates will swing inwards.  However, not all driveways work with this option.  If a homeowner has an increased slope in the driveway they may only be able to have it swing out.

4)      What is the width of the gate and how heavy will it be?

  • This question is more geared when the fence and gate choices have been narrowed down as this deals more with the type of gate operator needed to operate the fence.  Gate operator manuals will give you specs on what weight a gate can cope with over the width of the gate.

5)      Is there enough room for the installation of the gate and gate operating system?

  • Many of these questions are better suited to be answered by the company that is selling the gate to the homeowner.  It is important that adequate space is available for the installation of the post and pivot point in relation to the opener and hinges.

6)      How will access be gained through the gate?

  • Will the homeowner want a key pad, a remote controlled system or automatic sensors?  This is decided based upon the ease and convenience the gate is to offer for the family.  It is also important to decide how visitors are gaining access to the home and how the homeowner wants visitors to be allowed to enter into the space.

Installing an automatic gate is a challenge for the average do-it-yourselfer.  It is recommended that homeowners seek out a contractor or company that specializes in automatic gates and their installation.  They can provide answers and support to the situations facing each homeowner on an individual basis.

SAC Fence