Livingston Reporting - page 337

Creating Independence For A Handicapped Loved One

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When we found out my father had a stroke we were devastated.  As the patriarch of our family he always provided support for all of us.  How in the world are we going to be able to take care of him? Seeking out the right support was important for my mother and fathers needs.  We needed to make sure the house was in order and accessible for his wheelchair and that he could be as independent as possible.  Multiple times he told us that he would rather pass away then to become dependent on anyone else.  We knew in order to keep his sanity along with moms things in the house needed to change.

We got advice from other wheelchair users and found many independent people that are mobile dependant on a wheelchair.  Their tips help narrow down specific targets for us to take care of out of the gate.  Knowing that we will have other modifications down the road does not scare us it is just the knowledge that his perception upon coming home has to be that of an independent lifestyle or he will fall into a depression.

The bathroom was the first area of interest.  We knew this is where my father would want the most independence and privacy.  We started by removing the bathroom door and replacing it with a curtain that easily glides closed.  Next we replaced his low lying toilet with a new toilet designed with extra height for the ease of transferring it would provide him.  Installed on the side of the toilet was a grab bar that was actually bolted to the floor for the ultimate amount of stability.   Next a removable shower head was put into place along with a bath chair and new easy to maneuver faucets.  The sink was at an acceptable height already but the turn knob faucet was replaced with a levered one and removed the cabinet doors so that we could “pull” right in.

People warned us that carpet would be difficult for his wheelchair to maneuver on.  To remedy this we went out and purchased plastic floor runners and strategically placed them throughout their home.  The throw rugs that had been placed around the house were removed.  The plastic will make sure the wheelchair is met with little resistance when moving about the home.

My father did not want to sleep apart from my mother.  He convinced us that a hospital bed was not in his best interest and we agreed.  In order to help him get in and out of bed we had another grab bar installed into the floor along the side of his bed. A large platform was constructed to help him transfer onto the bed without too large of a gap between the bed and the wheelchair.

Getting in and out of his home was another issue.  We purchased a metal handicap ramp.  This was easily installed and will not only be easier for my dad but as my mom ages will take pressure off her knees that the stairs would present in the future.  Handicapped ramps were easy to find and inexpensive.  For the door walls in the home we were able to purchase mini handicapped ramps called threshold ramps.  The thresholds will not be an obstacle with these in use.

In order to keep him active on his computer and crosswords we bought larger size writing utensils and an extra large button keyboard. We were also informed that fine motor skills would be difficult so purchased an electric can opener and an electric jar opener so that he could cook independently.  It was also brought to our attention that a crock pot would be the easiest way to cook for him and a food processor instead of a cutting board.  The other thing we did is bought him a cell phone so that he could use the speaker and could take it around with him as he goes about the house.

Truly the point of looking into making the house more accessible for his wheelchair is to make him independent.  My mom is not home all the time when he is around and will not be able to cater to his every whim and he really would not like this even if she was.  There will be things that come up that are not a simple as installing a handicapped ramp or levered faucet and we will be there to come up with unique solutions to keep him mobile and independent.

Glen Miller The Home Doctor

Ensure Mobility In A Traditional Home Even With A Disability

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It wasn’t until two years ago that I realized how easily shattered mobility could be.  Out on a family sledding trip my son decided he would fly down the sledding hill as I was walking up.  When he hit my leg going full speed on a blow up tube I knew immediately that my leg would never be the same. When all was said and done I had pins and plates holding my ankle together and my fibula was trashed.  I would not be walking for three full months.

When it finally hit me was when I got home after surgery and realized that maneuvering around our home on crutches and a walker were near impossible.  We have two different areas in our ranch home that have a step up to access the next room.  How was I ever going to access the bathroom without crawling?  I knew modifications were needed if the next three months were going to be bearable at all.  My family and I got to work planning and executing plans to make life smooth for all of us.

Our home is a traditional home.  The builder never had to consider that this home would need to be made handicap accessible.  As with most homes built today they are made today disabilities and limitations to ones mobility are not considered because that is not what the main stream needs.  However as we age or in my situation, are disabled, needs change and our homes need to be modified.  The first step for our home was the step up in the garage from where we park the car to where we enter the home.  My husband made a simple platform wheelchair ramp. I was able to slowly crutch up, the incline was less steep than most so it was easy for me to use with my crutches.

My next issue was the two step ups in our home.  In order to use the bathroom or get to the kitchen area I would have to maneuver around steps or have a wheelchair ramp installed.  My girlfriend rented me a scooter that accommodated my bad leg so I could just drag it along instead of using crutches so this was super nice.  We just needed to figure out a way to get me and the scooter up the steps in the house.  We solved the step up to the bathroom with a wheelchair threshold ramp.  It eliminated the small step completely and made using my scooter to get to the bathroom a chinch.

The next bigger obstacle was the main step in the living room.  First and foremost our furniture needed to be rearranged because getting around was too tight.  Wheelchairs, scooters, and crutches any aide used to help the disabled needs clearance to maneuver.  My husband had to construct a wheelchair ramp to accommodate the scooter and me with a very slight incline.  He managed to do this using wood that we could reuse later and rigged the step up to accommodate not only me but regular foot traffic.

We realized that for this home to accommodate us in the future, as we aged, we would have to make more permanent changes to the layout of our home.  This experience was an eye opener and I am certainly glad that we are able to have a bit of foresight into the needs we will have as we age.  This is needs after this experience with my leg.  The issues with the steps were only one battle that we faced.  Needless to say some bathroom renovations will be taking place and some major flooring renovations.  Hardwood floors are going to be put in throughout the place because carpet, we have found, makes mobility difficult using crutches, walkers or a scooter. Lesson learned.

Glen Miller The Home Doctor

Surprise! Your Windows Need Replacing

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We were so excited our daughter tried out and made the local travel softball team.  She was one of twelve girls picked out of thirty five that were trying out.  This was all the start of my search for replacement windows for my home.  I know it wasn’t totally their fault but of course a ball went right through the window in our bedroom.  My husband had taken her outside to throw around and then decided it would be a great idea to practice hitting.  They did everything right.  She was pointed away from the house, our son was playing catcher and the ball was being pitched in by my husband.  As soon as the ball was released my husband said he knew there was no way our son was going to get it or she would hit it and bam the window caught it.  I was upset to say the least.

We had been saving, thankfully, for replacement windows in the future so the expense was not an issue.  We considered replacing just the one window but then quickly realized that would look very odd given we were going to buy wood windows to replace the vinyl ones that existed. To buy just one vinyl window to tide us over for a year until we had planned to make the purchase now seemed silly.  We had been saving a while knowing that the wood windows of our dreams would cost more than the original vinyl windows. Our budget was set based on the amount of money we had saved to date so that battle was already settled upon.

The timing of the accident could not have been more perfect.  The fall weather provided us a perfect time of year to replace the windows.  It was not to hot where we were in need of the air on and windows shut or too cold for the heat to need to be on.  We did not have to rush the installers along because the weather was great.  I would suggest thinking wisely about replacing windows in the winter.

Per a referral from a friend we were able to find an installer/vendor that was reliable and trust worthy.  Word of mouth is really the best way to go when looking for someone to complete any home renovation project.  Otherwise you really need to trust your gut.  The lowest price, the quickest turn around and location are not always the best criteria to base home improvement projects on.

We knew we wanted wood windows so the vendor was able to narrow are choices down significantly based on this.  With vinyl windows you will not only need to find a style but also a color that works well with your home.  We had decided that double hung and casement windows best fit our home.  For the larger windows on the second floor we choose casement windows that open out overlooking the river.  When you open them it truly feels like you are letting the whole world in and give the rooms a very romantic feel.  Double hung worked well for the rest of the house because they were able to be opened from the top or bottom.  I liked this option for the lower level because at night the windows could be left open but were not exactly easily accessible to outside visitors.

The replacement windows are a terrific addition to our home.  It was the right amount of renovation for our home to make it feel bigger, more energy efficient and beautiful again.  I don’t allow them to play softball in the back yard anymore because it is not where I am interested in putting more money into our home.

Heatkeeper

Features In Replacement Windows

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How do people go about purchasing replacement windows?  When you are renovating or building a new home the choices are plentiful and windows are no different. How do you sort through all the information you are given and make an educated decision based on anything other than the style?  With windows it is pretty simple; your checklist will include window types, style option and energy efficiency.

The materials windows are made out of differ greatly. Aluminum, wood and vinyl all have qualities that are good and bad.  When looking into the material you would like your replacement windows to be constructed out of think about the style of your home, maintenance of the material, energy efficiency and your budget.  Aluminum windows might not be the best option in the north with cold windows and wood windows are easily damaged in intense heat so the region in which your home is also affects the material used for your windows.

Types of windows vary also.  Casement, awning, double and single hung and sliding windows are amongst the options for you to choose from.  Casement windows are beautiful.  They window swings open using a crank mechanism and are often used in larger windows such as bay windows.  Awning windows open from the bottom and are pushed out connecting the window to the frame at the top.  These windows are often seen in kitchen and bathrooms. Single and double hung windows slide open vertically.  These windows have the option of folding out for ease in cleaning.  Sliding windows slide horizontally.

Budgeting plays a large role in choosing replacement windows.  Wood is generally more expensive than aluminum and vinyl.  Along with being more expensive wood windows require more maintenance.  They must be stained and sealed to prevent the wood from warping.  Vinyl windows are virtually maintenance free. This is a selling point for many homeowners because maintenance and homeownership already do together like two peas in a pod.

Where you live plays a huge role in the materials and glass you will choose for your windows home.  Homes in moist areas prone to storms and the abuse of salty air need to meet different requirements than an environment with four seasons.

It is also wise to think about privacy in regards to your new windows.  An option other than tinted windows is replacement windows with blinds between the glass.  These windows are becoming popular in many homes because of privacy but also the extra efficiency they provide and the convenience of being low maintenance.

Look at the warranties and what is covered under them with each individual window company you get a quote thru.  This may sway you in one direction or another.  Warranties can save you a lot of money, time and hassle when it comes to getting a replacement window fixed. However, for a warranty to be valid regular maintenance needs to be done.  This will keep the warranty intact and your windows looking new for many years to come.

Heatkeeper

Maintaining Your Sump Pump

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Where do you store things that treasured such as holiday paraphernalia, off season clothes, toys, sports equipment and all of life’s accumulated stuff?  The basement is the area in most people’s homes that stores the goods that are important but not needed on a daily basis.    So when a sump pump fails and water damage occurs how do you start the cleanup to repair your space and belongings? How can you protect yourself from sump pump failure in the future?  This article will look into way to clean up and prevent future water damage due to sump pump failure.

Prevention is the key in any catastrophe.  Was there something that could have been done sooner to prevent the issue from occurring in the first place?  Regular maintenance to your sump pump can help prevent failure.  One way to do this is to check for built up debris in the pump.  This can happen when small toys or debris are left to sit and hinder the float device in the sump pump from working.  The float needs to be tested frequently as it took can wear out without the help of kid toys and debris. The float allows the pump to start and stop as needed.  It is essential that the float is in proper working order for the sump pump to continue working as it should.

Regular cleaning of the weep hole is also encouraged in order to keep the pump functioning normally.  You can clean the weep hole using tooth picks or a small tool to remove excess debris.  Whatever you do be careful not to break anything inside the weep hole as this will hinder the function of the pump.

The impeller is a small filter that can easily be clogged with debris.  If you hear a whining noise this is the first thing you check.  It might just need a good cleaning however you will need to check and make sure the impeller has a good connection to the pump.  Most impellers are connected with blots.

The water in the sump pump can become stagnant causing a foul odor to be emitted. By filling the basin with a bleach and water mixture.  Doing this and filling the basin will cause the pump to cycle and help eliminate any odor.  Another great idea in preventing sump pump failure is a backup power supply that kicks on automatically if the power fails.  This is an expensive option but will be paid for during the first storm and power outage.

What do you do if your sump pump fails and you are looking at a basement full of water damage?  The first thing that needs to be accomplished is fixing the pump.  Make sure you unplug electrical devices. Once the water is being pumped out evaluate the damage.  If it is minimal bring the damaged items into a dry space and turn a fan on them.  However, if the damage is significant you will want to call in the professionals.  Water damage can be worsened if not properly dealt with.  The last thing you want to be handling after a sump pump failure is mold remediation so make sure the water is cleaned up properly the first time.

Go Maher

Aspects Of Windows With Blinds Between The Glass

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Making home improvements to your house is always a bit of an adventure. Many owners struggle with figuring out where to make renovations within their homes.  I have some criteria for homeowners struggling with this decision.  The first factor to look at is the cost of the renovation verse the length of time you are going to be living in this house.

Homeowners will want to make sure that they will benefit from the renovation and that the costs of the project are covered by the increase in property value overtime.  If planning on selling is in the near future the need to ask if the renovation is necessary.  Most of the time the cost of the renovation will not be recouped that quickly so it is best to wait unless the house will not sell without the improvements.

Window renovations are one area in which I feel homeowners can benefit in many ways.  High efficiency windows can dramatically increase the value of a home while decreasing the cost of major utility bills. Replacement windows are one area that draws buyers in.  Homes with windows with blinds between the glass are always the ones clients gravitate towards.  Even if the home needs a bit more work than another the replacement windows seem to win the advantage.

There are so many reasons that windows with blinds between the glass are becoming so popular.  They certainly increase the value of the home which is a benefit to both buyer and seller but what else?  Why would a homeowner looking to stay in their home for the rest of forever want to spend the extra money to purchase these special windows?  They are not going to recoup the value of the windows or are they?  The decrease in energy bills will allow the windows to pay for themselves overtime.

Another pro is the neat and structured look that windows with blinds between the glass gives to a home.  The other nice thing is that kids and animals cannot get into them so they will not get broken or damaged.  There are also no cords to worry about kids and animals getting tangled in.  From the outside the blinds give the home a uniformed look which is difficult with any type of external blind.

Windows with blinds between the glass are great for individuals with asthma and other respiratory issues.  The blinds are not exposed to the outside elements that in the air.  The allergens within your home can’t settle on the blinds if they are not exposed.  The blinds are sealed within the glass not allowing dust to settle.  The other great thing is that there are no blinds to be cleaned.  One less things to clean is always a benefit to me.

There are some limitations with encased blinds such as the color choices are limited.  This however might not be the case for long.  As competition increases companies will need to think of encased window treatments that exist outside standard blinds and standard blind colors.  Seal failure is also something that can happen with this type of replacement window leaving room for minute bugs to enter.  This can be avoided if you buy windows with blinds encased within the glass that allow for the glass to be opened.

Whether it is replacement windows, kitchen renovations, bathroom remodels or additions to your home there is a lot to think about.  Pros and cons exist in every project that involves your home.  Researching options and talking with home improvement specialists you will find what the best fit for your home and budget.

Heatkeeper

Preventing Water Damage In The Home

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Prevention is the key for many of the failures we see in our lives.  With a little bit of maintenance and upkeep house hold problems can be prevented.  Water damage is one culprit that can be avoided with regular care.  How do you know when that little puddle in front of the refrigerator is more than just one of the kids spilling water on the floor?  Here is a checklist to follow in your home to prevent the need for water restoration.

Utility Spaces

  • Supply Lines:  Regularly check the lines coming and going from washing machines.  Hoses should be checked every six months and replaced when wear is evident.  Most often hoses have a life expectancy of about three to five years.
  • Water Heater: They are a big culprit for water damage in homes.  All water heaters should be installed in the lowest level of your home.  This will help to minimize damage if it should develop a leak. Also look for rust and wear.  Around the time you start to see this occur is also around the time you should replace the water heater.
  • Sump Pumps: The last thing you want is for a sump pump to fail in your home.  Regular maintenance and a backup power supply can help eliminate the worry surrounding yours.

Bathrooms

  • Tubs:  A big culprit for leaks around a tub is inefficient caulk.  Caulk is something that needs to be replaced at the first signs of visible wear.  Another area within the tub that can be an issue is broken supply lines and pipes.  If the floor or wall becomes soft a leaking pipe can be to blame.  Have a plumber out to evaluate your situation.  It might not be a bad time to have them replace the supply lines into the tub/shower, toilet and sinks.
  • Sinks: Not only can supply lines start to leak overtime so can the connector pipes.  If you spot a small leak it is probably time to look at the drain pipes and resealing them.
  • Toilets:  Supply lines and wax seals are the biggest issues to perform routine maintenance on to prevent the need for water restoration. Leaks from the toilets caused major issues in our foreclosed home. So much so that we had to replace the tile and carpet in the rooms adjoining the bathroom.

Kitchens

  • Dishwashers: You will need to periodically check underneath the sink for leaks. This is where the water supply connects the dishwasher to the water supply. Also you can look for leaks around the dishwasher that could be coming from the seals on the dishwasher.  Other ways that leaks can be noticed besides visually seeing the water is to look for discoloration around the cabinets and floor surrounding the area.
  • Refrigerator:  Most of the time refrigerators are fine. If you have an ice maker or water dispenser hooked to the refrigerator you will have to be more diligent in checking hoses and connections in and out of the refrigerator.
  • Sinks: The kitchen sink needs to be periodically caulked and pipes checked.  Slow leaks can be caught early and prevent bigger messes for homeowners.

If you do find a leak occurring in your home the best option is to first shut the water supply off to the house. This will give you time to look into and resolve the issue without further water damage being done within you home. If the damage is overwhelming call your insurance company for advice on professionals you can turn to for your water restoration needs.  Prevention is the key in helping to eliminate large problems from happening but of course nothing is ever fool proof.  Being prepared encase of an issue is the smartest way homeowners can deal with any water damage issues.

Go Maher

Sanity Savers Found Within Handyman Service Companies

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What happens to your home when you are beyond busy with work, kids, family and life in general?  I know my little things that need to get fixed list grows exponentially.  It doesn’t matter that I say we are coming home after the soccer game Saturday to take care of the house something always happens to ruin the plan.  Whether it is a trip to the emergency room with a swollen ankle or an impromptu call from a frantic friend that needs us to watch her kids something always comes up.  Every week I add something to the honey-do list without removing anything.  The list is growing and I find myself needing to find a solution fast.  I don’t want to start a second sheet for the growing list of home “improvement” projects or in our case maintenance.

My husband and I differ on this agreement.  He thinks we are wasting money hiring someone who performs handyman services to come into our home. I remind him though that as we fail to find time small issues are turning into large issues right before our eyes.  One case in point is the kitchen faucet.  Yes it still works, the water runs but when you use the sprayer it only shuts off when it is ready not when you want it to.  It needs to be replaced.  The longer we let it wait the longer water gets shot all over the kitchen potentially ruining the floors or cupboards.  Water damage is far more expensive to repair then the replacement of a kitchen faucet.

I don’t think our family is alone in the quest to find time to repair items.  As a parent of school aged children who are also involved in sports I find weekdays filled with homework and practice.  Weekends are full with homework projects and sports, some family time also if we are lucky.  The last thing we are thinking about is anything but keeping the house clean let alone maintained.

I did some homework on handyman services in our area.  I found a gentleman with a great reputation and many referrals who spoke highly of the job he has done for them.  With my list in hand I met with him to go over rates.  To my delight the more I had for him to do the less expensive the rate.  The maintenance on our home would have taken my husband and I an entire weekend to complete. However, the handyman came out with the right tools and supplies needed for the list of maintenance jobs our home needed and completed the repairs with a full day’s work.

I believe many people can benefit from the services a handyman provides.  Whether you are a senior citizen who just doesn’t keep up with things like they used to, a busy corporate executive who is not at home long enough to think about anything but enjoying it, or a busy parent your time can be better spent than on home improvements. I have come to believe that even though it probably cost a bit more in the long run it was cheaper to pay the handyman service guy to come out.  Consider the time you would spend repairing and maintaining your home verse the cost to pay someone to come out and do it.  Handyman services come out do the job without issue with the correct tools and are done.  When is the last time a project went that easy for you?

Glen Miller The Home Doctor

A Look Into Access Control Points And Systems

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Whether your business is large, small or something in between or you are looking to add a bit of security to your community or home access control systems such as gates can be useful.  In order to be certain that the only people entering your business or home are people you have authorized it is pertinent to create some type of substantial material boundary. Many business and homeowners find the best way to do this is using an automatic gate system.

Automatic gates include a combination of physical parameters along with an access control system which dictates who has met the requirements set forth to enter.  In basic terms a computer (access control system) has been programmed with a criterion that authorizes entry. This can be something as simple as a keyless remote that unlocks the gate and allows it to freely open.

Access control points come in many shapes and sizes. They differ based on need.  Here are a list of different option in access points and where you may find them.

  • Turnstiles – Turnstiles are found in several places that need to control how many people have access to a space at any given time.  One example of this is amusement parks.  People tend to crowd on platforms and spaces designed only for an allotted amount.  Turnstiles give the ride assistant control over the number of people allowed into the space.  This then allows them to freely load the ride and then return to the turnstile allowing a controlled number of guests in at a time.
  • Doors – Doors are commonly used in hospitals to control where the public is allowed to enter verse where nurses, doctors and hospital personal can go.  Many times you will see a door locked and either a buzzer is placed so that you can buzz to be allowed in and out.  This is common in maternity wards where visitors come and go but nurses need control to eliminate the possibility of babies leaving in the wrong hands.  Other areas are accessed through the use of card readers.  Each hospital employee allowed access in the area will have the code for that card reader programmed onto the magnetic strip on their hospital ID.
  • Security Gates – Gates can be found in several different forms and basically anywhere you can imagine access needs to be controlled and monitored.  Driveways, business lots, parking structures and gated communities are just a few of the many places security gates can be found.  Access can be controlled using many different methods of controls such as remotes, card readers, scanners or transponder systems.

Access control points allow admittance based on information and signal given by the person seeking entry to a reader who then continues to verify the information based on preset criteria.  If all of the criteria are met then the computer will send a signal to open and allow entry.  If the information is entered and does not match or is incorrect a signal the control point will ignore the signal and stay shut.  Often after access information is entered incorrectly after a certain number of times the machine will need to be reset by an authorized administrator.  This is for the safety and security of the people or information that is being secured by the access control point.

The access control system you need will be determined on the level of security needed.  Homes are often secured with simple automatic gates while business lots may use simple swing arm gates.  Office buildings may have simple card readers or may require biometric readers to match fingerprints for entry.  You will see the higher security the more credentials will need to be met to gain access.  A combination of them may be used for instance in government or medical situations.

SAC Fence