Livingston Reporting - page 344

Automatic Gates: Pros and Cons

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Why are automatic gates important?  The popularity of living within a gated community is increasing but why?  Are people concerned with status or safety?

Automatic gates are gates that open and close without the assistance of a person when the conditions are presented and fulfilled.  For instance, in Oscoda where we vacation we have an automatic slide gate.  In order to exit or enter the facility we must press in a code, a different number for each resident.  We enter this code into a small access control system that sits to the side of the gate. When we key in the correct code we are then allowed to enter or exit. Emergency vehicles such as police and fire trucks are given an emergency response code to access the gate in case of an emergency with in the cabin association.

There are many positives and negatives associated with gated communities.  I love the freedom it allows us on our family trips to the cabin.  We know everyone in the association and traffic is always minimal so you feel very safe letting your kids play with other kids in the area without the worry of outsiders entering.  The safety I feel on vacation is worth every dime we paid to have the automatic gate.  It also gives us a greater sense of security with the cabin when we are not around.  I am not as worried about someone entering the cabin and removing our belongings.

The gate is also a wonderful addition to keep the kids from traveling outside of the allotted area. A busy road is right outside the gate.  I don’t worry at all about my children accidentally riding their bikes out into the traffic causing a potential deadly situation.  The gate holds two purposes keeping people out and keeping people in.

I also really like the class status it gives to our cabin association.  It defiantly makes the grounds and landscaping richer.  I am sure when people drive pass they are thinking about the level of people that live within.  Not realizing it is really just us, cabin dwellers.  It is funny how something like an automatic gate can change the status of an establishment.

Many people consider automatic gates and inconvenience.  My girlfriend hates that when she visits us at the condo she has to call us and we have to buzz her in.  I never give my code out to anyone.  Personal information such as that is meant to stay within the family and that is it.  If someone uses the cabin they are given a temporary code that the association assigns and is only viable during the dates we give them access to the cabin. I know the resale value of our cabin went up once the gate was installed and operating.  Of course I see this is a benefit but potential home buyers may not.  Gated communities tend to be a bit more pricy than there non- gated counterparts.

Before you decide on living full time in a gated community way the options available to you which will help you make a more educated decision.  I know or home is not located within a gated community and I feel equal as safe allowing the kids to play and stay home alone.  I have spent time making friends with the neighbors; I choose to live on the end of a private dirt road with minimal traffic and installed motion lights around the house for the evening hours.   This and the knowledge that I keep very good tabs on the where about of my family at all times makes me feel like I have made the right choice for both our cabin and residence.

SAC Fence

Handicap Ramps: Easing Accessibility

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I have never had to be in a wheelchair.  Once I did break my lower leg and ankle causing me to be confined to a bulky cast and have to use crutches when I did leave the house.  Getting in and out of the car was miserable and stores forget it.  I really did not want to attempt getting around anywhere it was so difficult and not because of the pain but the accessibility was not available to someone that does not move around like the a person that has use of both of their feet.

That is when I really started to take notice of all the things in life that were harder because the use of both of my legs was so limited.  The doorways were always hard to get the crutches over, the car provided enough leg room but access into the car was tricky and there were multiple businesses that we went to that did not have access besides stairs.  Stairs, crutches and me did not see eye to eye.  I started to really think about how people using handicap devices such as wheelchairs, shooters and walkers got into places.

I know that the ADA specifies that all public places have devices in place so that access is open to the entire public.  However, from experience I found that not all business applied this law.  Handicap ramps were used at a few establishments and lower curbs were available some of the time but not always.  I specifically remember a shop where my family wanted to show me something and the only way to access the store was three steep stairs.  No way would I attempt that and I did not like the idea of being carried in so I just didn’t but for someone who is bound to a wheel chair for life being left should not be a way of life.

I understand that many smaller businesses might have a cost issue in regards to building handicap ramps.  However, I believe with the price of metal ramps these days I don’t see that being a huge concern especially when it is the law.  It is imperative that we start to look at each person and their individual rights when it comes to public access.  I have noticed that area parks are starting to become more wheelchair friendly.  They have larger openings for the bathroom doors and have threshold ramps where the height of the door might be an issue.  It is hard to get a wheelchair over the threshold of a door that is a few inches off the ground.

I think that it is about time that car manufactures look into options for sedans that are made to be accessible to those with special issues regarding the mobility.  It is hard to move a leg that does not want to move especially when the car does not accommodate for this need.  I worked with a beautiful lady whom was affected by MS.  She was able to drive using hand controls and got around using a walker.  It was always a struggle to get her feet inside the car and required much lifting and bending.  It would have been much better if the car manufacturer offered a sedan that had seats that would shoot completely back, allowing for maximum maneuvering and then scooted forward for driving.

My co-worker had function of everything but her legs.  Life for her in the office was even tough.  We found that the cement that was poured creating a mini ramp for her and the walker was narrow and hard to use.  It often was easier for her to sit on the walker and have us wheel her in because of the limited space to turn.  The other issue we found is that the entry door was not flush and the hump to get her over was always a bit of a challenge.  It was easier for her to shuffle her feet then to step so these obstacles made it even more challenging for her to move.

The installation of handicap ramps makes life more accessible to people using walkers, wheelchairs and scooters to get around.  It is also important that we look at the things in our lives and start to view then from the perspective of someone that does not have use of both of their legs.  Stores should make sure their clothing racks are accessible to those who require more open spacing.  Aisles need to be constructed so that they are accessible to wheelchairs and walkers without trouble.  Think about these struggles the next time you are out and about.  I bet you will see things a bit differently.

Glen Miller The Home Doctor

Unsecured Business Loans: Getting Your Business Up Off The Ground

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You have a brilliant idea for a business, you have the manpower to begin but now how do you go about getting the funding to sustain the business till it is bringing in revenue.  That is where unsecured business loans come into play.  An unsecured business loan will be available to you to draw on for the needs of the business as it flourishes like an open loan agreement up to a point.  Often times this type of loan is good for the start up cost involved in opening a new business such as; equipment, expansion or modifications of the existing office and advertising needs.

Going about acquiring an unsecured business loan is much like any other type of loan agreement.  The major difference is that you are now required to put up any collateral to secure the advance.   The great thing about this type of loan is that you are only accessed interest on the amount of the loan that is used.  So even if the loan is for twenty five thousand dollars if you only use five thousand, interest will only occur on five thousand.

In order to receive an unsecured loan many lenders will look into your business plan and the credit history of the business.  Of course, this is an issue if the business is brand new.  Lenders want to ensure that they will be able to recoup the lent funds.  It is imperative that your businesses credit score get established.  In order to do this you will need to make sure the outstanding payments the business does have are paid on time and in full.

Establishing a good business credit score can be done by taking out small loans with multiple lenders that report to the SBFE.  You can also establish a business credit history by using business credit cards and with your vendors and the lines of credit they establish for you.   Just be consistent with your payments and you will find yourself well on your way to establishing a credit history worthy of an unsecured business loan.

It takes time to get a small business, or any business for that matter off the ground.  With some strategic planning and a lot of hard work and a bit of luck you will be well on your way to establishing your dream.  Remember when starting out when you take off don’t let it go to your head.  Getting too big for your britches does not make you successful in business.  Work at a steady consistent pace to receive the rewards which you are working towards.

Ask 4 Funding

Replacement Windows: How To Replace Your Own Windows

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Replacing windows is not really as difficult as you would think it is.  It is not imperative that you hire professional window installers when replacing an individual window.  It will take a little bit of sweat equity, some instructions, general household tools and a little bit of time and you can install your replacement window.  Every type and brand of windows is a little bit different so it is imperative to look into the directions that came with your window to properly install it.

So the first thing you will need to do to install your replacement window is to get together all the tools you will need to complete the project.  The last thing you want is to be in the middle of the job and realize you don’t have everything you need to do a finish the job.  Most jobs will be completed with items you have around the house from previous work that you might have done.  The following is a detailed list for most replacement windows.  Be sure to double check the instructions included in the box with your new replacement window also.  You will need; clear caulk and  caulk gun, a small pry bar, hammer, tape measure, shims, square, level, utility knife, chisel for wood, drill, sandpaper, saw and the actual window.

The first step to replacing a window is to order the replacement window.  You will want to take measurement from the inside window jam.  You will take six measurements in total.  First measure the middle of the window jamb to the opposite middle of the jamb from top to bottom and then side to side.  The other four measurements will be to the left and right of the first two measurements from the center of the window.  You will use the smallest measurement you get.  There will be a difference in measurements from wear and time but hopefully they will be within a quarter inch of each other.

The next step is to remove the old window.  From the inside of the house you will remove the stops and sash.  The sash is the moving part of the window and the stops are the part that prevents the sash form falling into the house.  You will want to be very careful and try and salvage whatever materials you can from the existing window to use in the replacement.  This includes the window sash and stops.  You may need to use your utility knife and shims to protect some materials.  By running the knife down the cut any paint that might have adhered to the old window.

The next thing you will need to do is prepare the frame for the window to be installed.  This will include patching holes, taking care of splintered wood and adding insulation.  You will want to place the window into the prepared site to get a feel for how it is going to fit into the new space.  Once you have positioned it so that it is leveled you can go ahead with the actual installation of the replacement window.

You must first caulk the inside and outside then install the sill angle and secure the header and footer into the space.  It is then time to add the window.  Using the square and level you will want to put the window in place and add shims to create fit.  You will then insert screws into the jamb and the window should be in place.  You should then test the window to make sure it is working correctly.  Slide the window open and closed.  If it is not smooth you will need to adjust the screws.  If the ends of the shims are sticking out you will need to cut them so that they are flush.  The window will need to be caulked on the inside and the inside stops installed. There you have it a finished window that you replaced on your own.

Heatkeeper

Wind Damage: Preparing Before A Storm Hits

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You never know when disaster is going to strike your home and family.  Your best bet is to be prepared ahead of time so that if you are affected by a wind that is produced by a storm you are ready for it.  Hurricanes, tornadoes, hail storms all create winds that can damage your home.  Once they are here and affecting your area it is too late to worry about being prepared and more worried about staying safe.  The things we will discuss are the preparations that come before a storm is in your area.

Most things that should be done to protect your home are simple and you can easily do them on your own.  Others will require you working with a contractor to make sure your home is prepared for the wrath a storm can throw at you.  Many factors will affect if your home is already prepared for a storm.  The age of the house and the characteristics of the structural part of your home will all determine how prepared your home is for a storm.  As technology increase the structural soundness of your home will also increase.  As homes are damaged by storms research is done to improve the sturdiness, be it materials or the way they actually put the house together, to better protect the future generation of homes being built.

You will want to first evaluate the risk of your home.  It is important that you look into local agencies such as the American Red Cross for potential hazards in your community.  For instance, when purchasing our home we knew we were buying in a flood plain.  We need more information though on the actual risk versus the implied risk.

We went to our local township offices and spoke with them regarding the actual number of times the river had reached flood level and what the rain levels need to be in the area to have issues.  We found we were in a 500 year flood zone.  There were no reports of incident on record.  We then discussed the flood issue with the neighbors and found that the only issue that was found is dampness under their crawl space.  The fix for this however, was simple for us to solve.  We would just have to add extra ventilation on all sides of the crawl space.

Next evaluate the amount of insurance on your home.  This is particularly important in areas prone to flooding.  You will want to purchase separate flood insurance because most homeowner insurance policies generally do not cover flooding.  The same is true for extreme weather situations.  Make sure you coverage insurance coverage covers all forms of storm damage and natural disasters.  Wind damage, storm damage and lightening damage are all different forms that storm damage can take on make sure your coverage is ample.

Homes need to be properly built.  It is important when evaluating your homes storm worthiness that you look at the sheathing material.  Your roof should have a sheathing material below the plywood and shingles that help properly transfer wind to the ground.  You can inspect the sheathing through the attic by making sure it is properly nailed into the rafters and trusses.  This will help prevent damage to your roof and home if high winds come in.

If you live in an area prone to hurricanes you will want to make sure that the gables are securely fastened to the roof and that the roof has been fastened to the house with hurricane straps.  Theses straps are made out of metal that is galvanized and fasten the roof of your home to the walls.  These projects are advisable upon initial building of your home or upon a renovation to the roof.  These projects require extensive work and should be done by a contractor that is licensed in these areas.

When looking at the doors and windows on your home make sure that they are securely set in their frame.  They are the protective barrier of your home.  You want to make sure they stay intact in high winds and heavy rains.  They should be secured at the top and bottom and also sealed correctly to avoid the winds from entering into the home.  This is also important for the garage door installation.

Windows can also be protected by storm shutters.  If you know ahead of time the house is in the path of a storm that will produce high winds you can install storm shutters on all exposed glass with 5/8-inch plywood exterior grade on all exposed glass.  This includes doors, windows, skylights and any other glass surfaces that should be protected during a storm.

Wind can destroy your home which in turn turns your life upside down while you work to get the repairs needed done.  It is easy to avoid major damage to your home by making sure the structure is sound and precautions are done to help avoid damage.  Not all storm damage is avoidable.  No matter what preparations you do if a tornado is coming right at your home most likely it is toast.  It is important that you take necessary precautions and hope for the best in the event of horrific weather.

Go Maher

Engineering Firms: A Look At Engineering As A Major

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So you have just graduated from high school and are wondering what the next step is for you.  Are you going to follow in your parent’s footsteps and head to work in large engineering firms or are you thinking you would like to work more with people in social work?  It is important when looking into universities that you ask if it is necessary to declare a major upon entering.

Often time’s students get into school leaning towards a course of study only to learn after the first semester that really working for an engineering firm no longer sounds of interest.  If you have already declared a major and the courses that you have taken are specific for that particular degree than you have wasted a semester.  It is important to find out ahead of time with the university if this is something that could potentially happen to you.

If possible try to wait to declare a major until you have been in school for a year.  In that time take moments to explore career options that exist and focus your course studies on some basic classes that are not major specific.  In a recent study that was done on college graduates it was found that fifty percent of them had changed their major course of studies at least once.  I did it, I went in for teaching and two years later realized I was far more interested in marketing.

Finding a college that offers the flexibility to change majors is important especially if you are one of the many high school senior graduating with no idea of where you see yourself in the future.  Even though many students think it is ideal to follow in the footstep s of older siblings or parents it is important to remember that your career choice will have to make you happy.  If in the long run you don’t see yourself working in an office involved in science, technology and math than that engineering firm mom and dad work for is not going to be a perfect for you.

Another thing to contemplate is that many adults graduate with a degree that in actuality is not seeing growth in the career world.  What do you do then?  It is important that even though you graduate with a degree it does not necessarily limit what you will do in the future.  I know many people who have degrees that their current jobs do not even relate to.  Employers are looking for a commitment when they hire and train a new employee.   The degree you have studied so d for, no matter what it is shows them that commitment.

One way to really find out if something is going to appeal to you is to look in the books that surround that field of study. A good place to do this is at the campus book store. Then take a class that is relevant to the material that sparked your interest.  That should give you a look into the field and a taste of careers within it.  Talk with professors; they are a wide source of knowledge on career opportunities that follow all different routes of study.

One thing I ask you not to do when looking into a field of study at college is to look at the pay scale for it.  It would be awful sad for you to discover even that the three figured salary you are bringing in does not bring you happiness with it because what you are doing is not in your heart.  Your career is a large part of your life.  It is essentially your first child.  You will nurture it, grow it and live with it so you want to make sure that it brings you happiness and fulfillment.  You will find that if those qualities lay within you the money won’t be anything but a number.

Monument Engineering

Merchant Cash Advances: Not a Business Loan

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What do you do if you are a small business owner looking for some extra money?  Maybe it is around the holiday and you have slowed to a creep but you still need to pay your bills to keep the business running until it picks up again.  The answer could fall into your lap as a merchant cash advance.  It is not a loan from the bank it is a way that business owners receive capital now based on future credit sales.

With merchant cash advances you will find that the requirements to obtain one are not a stringent as if you were applying for a business loan.  Usually merchant cash advances are flexible with easier eligibility requirements than with financial institutions loans.  It is an accessible option to explore because you also don’t have to lay down specifically what the money will be used for within the business.

The cash advances are given based on your future credit business.  This means that in turn for capital now you give the merchant cash advance lender the write to debit you through your credit card processing company a percentage of sales, agreed upon by both parties, until the debt is paid off.  The nice thing about this is that payment is based on money brought in and not predetermined.  If you are having a slow business period it will take longer to pay off the cash advance where as if you are super busy the opposite happens and the advance is paid off sooner.

Often new business owners take out loans which require a set amount each month no matter what the business is bringing in.  It is hard to see a profit in a new business when all of your working capital is already hedged for loans.  Merchant cash advances allow for the great advantage to be paid back as you make the money.   The percentage amount that is determined to be distributed from the credit cards is predetermined and does not change of the course of the advance.

If you are looking for a flexible and easy to access way to get extra working capital for your company a merchant cash advance may be the way to go.  It is necessary with any financial business decision that you seek the advice of business partners as well as financial consultants such as your accountant.  They will help determine if this is a sound financial investment for you to make.

You will find that it has several key benefits over a traditional loan form a bank lender.  It is much quicker and easier to apply for and you are not required to supply the documentation you would have to with a loan.  It is also much easier to qualify for a merchant cash advance it is related more to your credit card processing history than your credit score.  Usually you can have an answer on your advance within three days and the risk is all on the company who advances the money to you.

Ask 4 Funding

Real Estate Signs: Hiring The Right Agent For Your Need

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Everyone wants to know they are getting involved with the right real estate agent which can be difficult because everyone sees what they want a little bit differently.  What real estate signs you look for in an agent and company is up to you.  There are certain things to look for and ask before committing to sign with one agent.  Determining the pros and cons of each agent you interview is up to you personally and what you place higher value on in the long run.

Whether you are looking into purchasing a house or selling an existing home your real estate agent should be able to accommodate your need.  However, some agents are better in one area or another so do not go into the process thinking that your agent will be the best for all circumstances involving your housing needs.  There are many things that can help you make sure you are making a good decision choosing your agent.

When you are begin you search you might be at first attracted to the real estate signs that litter the county.  Be aware that is not always the best option.  You will need to do your own research on the agent and can’t get an accurate opinion on the agents work just because their real estate signs are scattered throughout the county.

The best way to get a feel for an agent is to check them out in action.  Go to an open house they are holding or ask that they meet to show you a house they have listed.  This is a great way to see how they present a home and how they represent themselves.

Ask the agent how many homes they have sold and closed on in the past year.  The more times they have actually gone through closing the more experience they bring to the table.  You want an agent who has had experience on your side to help you negotiate the best possible deal for your side of the offer.

Often referrals are a great way to find an agent.  Finding an agent that has worked closely with a friend, family member or close acquaintance is usually a good sign on if they will work well with you.

Double check the agent’s online presence, the importance of this is monumental because of the important role technology plays in the way people seek out information today. Make sure that your agent lists their homes online, recent statistics show that eighty-five percent of purchases come from buyers who have seen their homes online.

Don’t necessarily settle on the first agent you find.  It is important to interview several agents to find the best fit for your needs.  Build trust with them by spending time looking at several properties and portfolios of homes sold and purchase through them before signing any document that is binding.

Look in the MLS listings and see how the agent’s listings come up.  You should notice professional pictures have been used and that they detail the house and can be viewed in a manner where the details can be seen.

Ask for references from sellers and buyers.  Check the agent’s reputation within the industry also.  How the agent is viewed by their peers is important.  The deal will run smoother if the agent is able to negotiate well with other agents.

Last but not least don’t expect too much.  Remember that although they agent works for you respect is a two way street.  Don’t call the agent after normal business hours with questions that can wait to be answered until the morning, agents can’t always return your call ten minutes after you sent it so set reasonable expectations in regards to this.  When you settle on an agent ask their opinion on mortgage providers, inspectors and contractors.  They should be able to give you an unbiased opinion and will help show the type of people that they associate with giving you a better feel going into the process of buying a home.

Sign Solutions MI

Land Surveyors: What Is In A Career?

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How does the land around us become developed?  Who are the people that help plan how the land is shifted to create subdivisions, roads and business complexes?  Those people are land surveyors.  They are responsible for working with engineers, architects and builders to map out in detail the land surfaces.  Maps and surveys come from land surveyor’s detailed work in defining boundaries based on the Earths physical features and as they change it is up to the land surveyor to adjust their work.

The history of a profession is always something of great interest to me.  Did you know that three of the Mount Rushmore presidents started their careers in the field as surveyors?  That must say something about what the field of surveying teaches a person.  You must be detailed, math and technologically orientated and enjoy the outside.

The westward settlement of our great nation was due to the surveying and exploration that was documented and given to President Jefferson by Lewis and Clark.  The Louisiana Purchase came about because of the detailed documentation through reports, maps and data collection, otherwise land surveying that early explorers completed.  This is also how the creation of our first railway system came about.  Can you imagine building a railway through undefined territory?  It would be like a blind poker match where you are just hoping the land features play in to your design.  With land surveyors you don’t have to worry about luck.

Not only do land surveyors work in the field to take measurements of the land they also can work in offices drawing up maps, interpreting data and offering professional unbiased opinions about land boundaries. When in the field surveyors surround themselves with technology such as GPS systems, three d scanners and digital media to help define the land in terms that can then be put in to document form for real estate, builders and all types of clients who will use their expertise. Gauging and plotting the Earth and its surface through current technology and software is the main objective for land surveyors.

What are the benefits of a career within this field?  First in an economy that people are scavenging for reliable jobs careers in land surveying are thriving.    Not only are they needed in the public and private sectors of life but our government also hold these positions in top regards.  The advantages for individuals working as a professional land surveyor range from the credit that you receive to the fact you are working with updated technology, in a career that pays well and is never the same.  You also get the advantages of working in environments that are every changing.  It is an exciting career that has multiple benefits for those who pursue it.

SRCMI

Mold Restoration: Look Out Mold!

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When someone mentions the word mold what images come to mind?  Initially you see green, brown, black furry fungus right growing?  The clusters vary in size and can spread quickly taking over an entire surface fast.  It is never a pretty image.  Mold is very serious especially when it invades your home.  Mold is not only unsightly but can also be incredibly harmful to the heath of the occupants of the home.

Mold grows in environments that allow it to grow.  If you have an area that is dark, damp than mold will be attracted to it.  Places such as basements, bathrooms and laundry rooms are the number one areas that attract mold growth.  Mold can grow anywhere though with a little bit of humidity and moisture.  I have seen mold in attics, gym bags, underneath carpet and outside on areas the sun does not reach the siding.

Mold restoration is the next step once you have mold.  It consists of mold killer, hard work and lots of circulating dry air.  If you know any area in your home is more susceptible to mold growth it is best to take necessary precautions to make sure an infestation does not occur.  For instance, basements should have a dehumidifier to keep the moisture levels in check.  Fresh air is important also especially during seasons that keep your house closed up often.  Open the windows just a crack and turn on fans during the winter and summer seasons to make sure your home does not become susceptible to mold.  Also, make sure you clean regularly using anti-bacterial products.  They will likely kill spores, if present, before you even see them.

What happens if you are too late and mold has already found its way into your home?  For instance, we purchased a home in which the toilet leaked and mold had started to grow behind the toilet and on the carpet in the next room.  First we made sure that the leak was fixed and then decided that our mold issue was both major and minor.  The mold in the bathroom on the ceramic tile and wood molding was easily removed using a mold killer solution and thoroughly cleaning the area and then allowing it to dry using oscillating fans to keep the flow of air going to help the drying process. We then determined it would be best to remove the carpet and apply mold killer to the subflooring and allowing the area to dry.  It was best to replace the carpet because carpet is one area that it is tough to clean good enough to prevent the mold growth from returning.

Mold restoration is not anything to mess around with. It is best to find a mold remediation company if mold is in sensitive places such as attics where both wood and insulation is involved.  Mold removal companies have special products and equipment to handle situations that normal homeowners can occur.  It is especially important to have the number of a professional on hand that works with mold and water extraction after a disaster such as a flood or fire.  This will help alleviate long term issues your home could end up with.

TCI Restoration