Livingston Reporting - page 352

Storm Damage: Tips to Making it Through a Storm

We have been having some major storms lately. Tornados, hurricanes and torrential rains have been wreaking havoc throughout the United States. It is important to be as prepared as possible if a storm is coming your way. This means different things depending on the areas in which you live. Also, storm damage varies from location to location. Weather extremes make storm damage nearly impossible to predict. Lightning, wind, ice, floods, rain, extreme cold and heat can cause all types of damage to your home.

When a storm hits it is best to be prepared. Here are some tips to help you maximize safety and minimize the inconvenience storms and storm damage can bring to your life.

1) Have flashlights with spare batteries in a location that is easy to access. Avoid candles if at all possible. It is easier than many homeowners think to leave a candle lit and have fire ravage through your house. Storm damage creates a mess but fire damage creates an environment where the effects are long lasting.

2) Purchase extra bottled water and canned foods. This will create less havoc for you encase of a long lasting power outage. It is important that you have extra water to cook with as well as to drink.

3) Use surge protectors on all major appliances. They will help eliminate the surge from entering these valuable pieces of equipment rendering them useless. If you do not have surge protection and you have fair warning a storm is headed your way unplug all major appliances and electronics.

4) Make sure you have a battery operated radio. It should be on and tuned in to a local station for regular updates.

5) If you go out after a storm has hit you area make sure to avoid down power lines. They are still full of energy and will shock you.

6) If your lights blow during a storm double check your fuse breaker box make sure that you have not just blown the fuses by asking neighbors if their power is out also. If it is the power call the electric company to make sure they are aware of the outage.

7) It is important if your power is out to conserve the energy left in your freezer and refrigerator. You can do this by limiting the times you open and close them. Dry ice is also available for purchase at local groceries if you are able to get out.

8) Of course if the power outage comes at a time of extreme cold you can store food in a cooler outside.

9) In cold weather you will want to make sure that you leave the water dripping to avoid pipes from freezing.

10) Warm clothes should be worn. Use caution with fireplaces and never use flammable liquids to start a fire. It is also important that you never use a gas stove to heat your home. This practice is unsafe and can result in more damage.

11) It is important that if storm damage occurs and you are without power that you use care and caution in running generators.

It is important to note that after a storm you should immediately restock your emergency supplies. It is likely that the season of storms is upon you and that it won’t be the last one through your area. Storm damage cannot be prevented but it can be managed. Your reaction in the situation will likely determine how well you cope with the difficulties that come along with the aftermath of storm damage.

Water Restoration: Tips for Urgent Water Restoration

It never fails here in Michigan we always get one day in the spring when we get a torrential down pour. It seems as if that is always the day the power goes out and the sump pump fails. Water restoration is a large part of restoration services provided by companies. Many homeowners think that they can clean it up themselves without thinking about how the dampness will affect the area. What many people don’t understand is that water can stick around and create mildew and mold. Even after it feels dry to the touch areas can still be damp. When not thoroughly dried through water restoration techniques damage can occur.

If your home or business is affected by water damage the best first step is to call your insurance company and have a water restoration company come out and assess the damage. Here are some tips to help you as a homeowner to help in the restoration of your home.

DO’S and DON’TS
1) The first step is to dehumidify the area. As long as the area is no longer submerged in water and has been cleared to be safe by an electrician you may start running dehumidifiers.

2) Open up the house and have fans circulating the dry air.

3) It is important to soak up as much water as you can. Use a mop or old towels to sop up as much water as you can. Blotting carpet is also an effective way to remove large quantities of water.

4) All furniture pieces should be dried off. Wood and fabric both should be thoroughly dried. Items such as cushions and knick knacks removed and safely stored until a professional has checked the furniture to make sure it has thoroughly dried. Remember the touch test does not work. Often furniture will feel dry to the touch because the surface is dry. This does not mean the inner parts are completely dry.

5) Wood blocks should be made that will be used to prop up furniture while it is drying. If you wrap the blocks in aluminum foil this prevents staining on carpet.

6) All floor coverings that are loose should be removed taken to a professional to be cleaned and dried. Bacteria will find a host in these areas and should be cleaned properly to prevent any bacteria from the flood water to grow and reproduce in your rugs.

7) All drapery should be lifted from the floor. If it has become wet it is best to take it down and allow a professional to clean them.

8) All furniture, cupboards and drawers that can be opened should be. It is important to let those areas thoroughly dry out by removing all the contents and letting them air out.

9) Books can be dried out by laying them out open and making sure the air is circulating in the area that they are drying in.

10) It is important not to use a normal household vacuum to remove the water. You will ruin your unit. It is best to leave the water extraction to the professionals. If you need to remove a small bit of standing water and it cannot be done with a mop or towel and wet/dry shop vacuum is the best tool for the job.

11) Electrical units should not be plugged in any area that is still wet or that has standing water.

12) Leave carpet that is tacked down in place. Professionals have equipment that can clean and dry your carpet thoroughly.

Damage can occur through water and bacteria settling in to your household items. Do not wait to call water restoration professionals in to your home to begin working on getting your home restored and functioning normal. Bacteria starts forming within minutes so it is important to call your insurance company and have them send someone out immediately to get your home dry. Water restoration professionals can ensure bacteria, mildew and mold do not grow and fester.

Wheelchair Ramps and Society

People throughout our society are depending upon wheelchairs and electric scooters to get around more than ever before. Most likely this comes from the fact that people are living longer. Another reason is that people with debilitating diseases are living longer thanks to medical miracles. All of these reasons have made it necessary for society to adjust building access for wheelchairs and motorized handicap vehicles. The American with Disabilities Act governs that public, commercial, state and local government facilities must accommodate for the use of wheelchairs and other mobility devices.

Think about the last time you traveled with young stroller bound children. Do you remember how difficult it was to maneuver? Think about going through life facing these challenges when trying to get in and out of facilities. What about your own home. Wheelchair ramps are what make access available to homes and public facilities.

Laws protecting the disabled are set in place to ensure equality. There are many things besides the law that need to be also taken into consideration when building or attaching a ramp for handicap use. When looking into a home wheelchair verse public access the things to consider are purpose, dimensions and style.

Purpose – It is pretty straight forward that the purpose of a handicap ramp at your home is to ease mobility in and out. Handicap ramps are used for many different purposes. Walkers, wheelchairs, electric scooters and disabilities are the number one reasons people look to install a handicap ramps. It is important to note that any building that has stairs as a main access should also have an assisted access.

Dimensions – The dimensions that are used to build ramps vary. Although standards exist and the guidelines of the ADA should be followed the size of the ramp should take into consideration the people who will be using it and the mode by which they might be entering and exiting. It is suggested that for every foot of ramp one inch of incline for entering buildings and for homes that every foot of ramp two inches of incline. You want to make the access as easy as possible. Think about climbing Mount Everest each and every time you leave a building. This is not ideal for anyone using a wheel chair or motorized device.

Style – There are many different styles of handicapped ramps to look at. Determine if you need something permanent or temporary. For instance are you taking in an elderly parent, this case might call for a temporary ramp. Metal ramps can often be rented or grants provided to purchase them. Wood ramps are often meant for more permanent situations such as elderly parents aging in place. Also, make sure you look into your community guidelines.

It is important to look into the rights of those who are disabled or elderly. Making sure that they are not restricted helps improve the quality of life they lead. The ADA guidelines help make this possible with laws such as the one enacted for the use of wheelchairs. It is also important for society to remember that independence is something we all wish for. If it eases life for a senior citizen in your life and they stay in their home a little longer than a handicap ramp is such a huge deal. Local, licensed contractors are available who have been trained to properly install handicap ramps to homes and businesses. When hiring an individual to install a ramp make sure the specifications they are using match your expectations and the laws governing wheelchair ramps.

Windows with Blinds Between the Glass: A Better Choice in Replacement Windows

Shopping for anything is fun in my opinion. So when my spouse and I set out to find replacement windows for our home I was excited and up for the challenge. I never thought we would be in for so many different choices. I did however think it would be much simpler than it turned out. The choices were endless. It was crazy. Double hung, sliders, windows with blinds between the glass the option are truly endless.

I decided since I have children and pets that I would really only focus on the windows with blinds between the glass. It just seems like a no brainer. I will end up saving money in the long run because I will never have to replace the curtains or blinds again. I cannot tell you how many times my cats have climbed the curtains and ruined them. I replaced them last year because they were so tattered. So that at least narrowed down one major decision. So this is when I began to relax a bit. Little did I know that the options that came next for the blinds between the glass were just as overwhelming.

I know that my decision is the right one for our family though so I will do it. There are so many reasons homeowners should consider windows with blinds between the glass. Anyone with activity going on in their home knows that shade, blinds and curtains get destroyed quickly.

Think about mini blinds. I am sure we have all lived in a home or apartment that had them when we were just starting out. How gross was it to see all the dust, animal dander and built up dirt on the blinds. Then when you would go to wipe it off it just made it worse. Now you had build up starting on your blinds and they would never return to the bright white you originally purchased.

Windows with blinds between the glass are also nice in regards that there are no loose cords. They are completely safe for use within a children’s bedroom. You will not have to worry about strangulation from cords. The blinds are installed inside the windows. This alleviates the issues of cords and heads getting stuck between blinds trying to look outside. I wish we had these when my children were smaller. They are so safe and convenient. Many times I would sneak in at nap time to see my son out of his bed peering out into the yard. I am so thankful we never had an accident with our blinds.

Windows with blinds between the glass also provide better insulation form the elements. They also keep the air, be it heat or air conditioning, in your home better than conventional windows with blinds or curtains. This leads to an energy tax credit making windows with blinds between the glass a more economical choice.

I mentioned the dust build up on mini blinds however curtains are also retainers of dust and allergens. Windows with blinds between the glass help to reduce the amount of allergens within the home environment. People with allergies and asthma are perfect candidates for replacement windows that have the blinds installed between the glass.

Last but not least of course is the benefit of having the latest trend in replacement windows. They are incredibly stylish and can be designed for any home contemporary, modern or rustic. Windows with blinds between the glass are more affordable than ever. I am so pleased with our purchase and am looking forward to not having to replace windows or window treatments for a very long time.

Handyman Services: The Importance in Maintaining Your Home

Maintenance is good for everything we all know that. We are told to maintain a healthy weight, to keep red meat to a minimum to maintain our heart health, to change our oil every 3,000 miles to maintain the engine, it is everywhere. Maintenance keeps things running at their best. The same goes for our homes. Handyman services are used to prevent major issues with your home and will help avoid an outlandish amount of maintenance to tackle later on. It is super easy to hand this over to a handyman that offers handyman services but if you insist I will give you a schedule to follow.

Let us start in the spring since that is the season we are enjoying in Michigan right now. The spring season should bring an inspection of your roof. It is important to look for any signs of wear and tear that comes with changing climates. Broken, torn, missing and bowed shingles should be replaced or repaired. It is also important to inspect gutters, downspouts, flashing around chimneys and vents. Make sure they are in good condition.

Another spring maintenance tip is to repair torn screens. It is super easy and inexpensive fix. Screens on sliding glass doors are often damaged and need replacing. Basically you purchase new screen cut the size you need and install it with a special tool that helps put the screen and rubber molding back in place. Most handymen will offer to provide this service if you are leery of trying it on your own.

It is also important to do some maintenance on your deck. Handyman services often include anything from power washing and staining to minor clean up and touch ups. Mildew will need to be treated properly to bring a deck back to life. It is also important to remove loose nails and screws and replace them with new ones. Sometimes it might even be necessary to replace a rotted board.

Summer maintenance starts with the outside of your home. Take a good look at the siding. Thoroughly clean the siding and remove any mildew that has built up in the shady spots of your home. It is also important to remove and repair any vinyl that has been damaged by the weather conditions. If you have a home what has brick, wood or stone simply look over the exterior and replace any areas that look like they are starting to fail. Catching a problem before it becomes urgent will help prevent bigger problems down the road.

Summer is also the time to fix fences and gates. Each year my spouse, who supplies our handyman services, has to replace parts to our split rail fence. They wear out and become moss covered leaving a much desired look to the fence. Each summer we review the fence pieces and replace any that look have issues. This is the best way for us to keep up with the fence so that we don’t end up with a multi-thousand dollar project on our hands. The same goes for aluminum, plastic and metal fencing.

The winter/fall season is the time in which the handyman services reach the inside of homes. This is when we repair grout and caulk. We also look at all of our heating and cooling systems and have them tuned up for optimal use. In the fall my spouse always has a painting project for me to do to keep the colors of the house fresh and modern. I would rather maintain by painting one room each year verse a whole house anytime. It is also the time when I have the service men out to clean out the washer and dryer to prevent any disasters that are created by built up lint or lost toys that have worked their way into the components of the machine. This has happened believe it or not. We do run chemicals in the sinks and toilets to loosen any clogs that may be starting in the fall also.

As you can see there is a lot that goes into maintaining a home. This is why so many people prefer to hire a handyman service company that schedules regular visits to your home to take care of these issues. Many companies offer quarterly rates for these services. It is something worth investing in because as I see it regular maintenance costs less than one major disaster.

Options in Designing Your Homes Window Treatments

When we first moved into our new home three years ago the main objective with the windows was to cover them inexpensively. We knew we would later update as resources became more available but for now we were happy that the windows and blinds were in place for the privacy of our family. We put up plain white mini-blinds in every room except the kitchen. There we already had vertical blinds over the two door walls so we thought a valance over the one kitchen window would fair best.
Two years into living in our space I started to realize that a coat of dust lived on all of the blind that could not be removed unless I spent the entire day scrubbing which I was not willing to do. Right there and then I decided that I better start processing for windows and blinds that were not plastic or windows with curtains or windows with shades.
I decided the bedrooms were first in my window transportation. My daughter’s room faces the river and knowing she chose this room only for the view I felt I needed to preserve that in her room. She is a sleeper that can sleep through anything light, dark, quiet or loud so I didn’t have to consider options to block light or sound with her. We choose curtains that were shear and offered her the view while able to maintain privacy from the outside in. They had the greatest little sequences on them that helped to reflect the light in the room keeping the whole feel wide open. In our room I opted for wood roman shade. They were a natural option that blocked light and went with the décor. When we feel like letting the light in they easily raise and lower. Our son’s room was a bit trickier as he needs darkness and quiet. For him we found dark navy blue roman shades with a sound deflecting panel facing the outside.
The next room was the sitting room. The best part if this room is the cozy feeling it brings to our home. So we knew that any window treatment option had to maintain this. In order to accomplish this I knew I wanted a natural material in a darker tone but wanted the option to also open it up on nice spring days so the window treatment couldn’t be too dark or hard to use. We opted for a lighter wood roman shade that had a loose weave pattern. This complemented the light, dark, cozy feel I was after.
The main living room has so much light and little privacy. That was a big problem for watching Saturday morning cartoons without the neighborhood looking in. I wanted to be able to create an environment of privacy that could be both light and dark. We choose curtains. We took a sheer brown curtain and used it as the base and picked thicker drapes that can be pulled back for the top. In the day we leave the brown sheers pulled but tie up the drapes. However at night when we are cozy ready to settle into relaxation we shut the drapes and block all the outside light out. It makes movies at nine so much nicer in the summer than having the light blare in. In Michigan it stays light out later in the spring and summer so often bedtime does not seem like bedtime. This option of light control really helps with this issue.
As you can see personal preference has a lot to do with windows and blinds, windows and curtains and windows with shades. It is a work in progress always. Even as I write this I think about different options that lay ahead for the two door walls. I don’t imagine vertical blinds plaguing our home décor for too much longer.

Landscaping Ideas for Spring

It is always so exciting for the spring season to start poking through here in Michigan. It is that time of the year when my landscaping ideas can start to come to life. This year I began thinking about how to incorporate the natural surroundings of our property into the picture. Since we live on a river my ideas went right to rocks and water. I then thought the water already draws enough bugs to the land so a water feature is not in the plan but incorporating rocks of all shapes and sizes began to take over for me.
So the first landscaping ideas that came to mind were to enhance our worn out fire pit. Three years ago we had bought some landscape material that did not hold up well in the heat. So we already had a space for it but we needed to add the pizzazz. My first thought was that I really like how deep our pit was so I wanted to keep that the same. So I decided that we would ring the pit with rocks pulled from the river. We took larger ones and dug them into the base of the pit and took more and encircled the rest of the area. They were stabilized through the placement of the rocks together. It turned out beautifully.
The next landscaping ideasthat came to mind are replacing the old existing railroad ties with a border of medium size rocks. In order to accomplish this is to first remove the old worn out border and take it to the scrap yard. We wanted to make the border look natural. In order to do this we took out three inches of dirt where the new border would sit and buried the bottom portion of the new rock border. This gave the appearance that the rocks had not just been thrown there and the stability that they were not just going to roll away.
The next step was to add top soil to the bed. The rocks were much taller than the railroad ties so in order to keep the flowers from getting lost we needed to raise the existing bed of soil. After this was accomplished we enhanced the existing shrubs with fresh brown mulch. The brown against the natural rocks really brought the natural look to the flower bed which is exactly what I was hoping for. We added a few flats of flowers and the look was complete. It was so inexpensive for such a grand new look.
I really wanted to also border the driveway because the gravel that we have delivered regularly to keep our driveway intact always leaks out into the grass. This landscaping idea would bring in the natural wood and rock that surround our home. I took several pieces of wood edging and dug into the ground to place them where we wanted to begin border. I then proceeded to link the pieces like Lego’s using long screw bolts. This provided stability. I know the kids will be jumping on and over them so I need to make the project hold up as long as possible. This solution blended in and keeps the rocks in the driveway actually in the driveway and not all over the grass.
Whatever your landscaping ideas may be this year, go for it. If you don’t have the time or know how there are many landscape professionals that will come out and give you tips or do the job for you. Enjoy the season to explore your landscaping ideas.

Options For Between the Glass Features

Many people when looking into replacement windows are looking into the windows with blinds between the glass. I have heard on more than one occasion someone mention that they were nervous about the cleaning and maintenance of the windows between the glass drapery options. I did a little research on the Pella window website because I am also interested and I found out that it is not much more work than regular windows but that it is less frequent.
There are three different types of snap-in between the glass window options. They include raise and lower Slimshade blinds, fabric shades and decorative panels. The first step in the cleaning process is locating the hinges for the glass panel. They are located on the top and bottom interior casement of the window. You need to release the latches by sliding them up or down the channel until you hear or feel them release. Then you will pull the perimeter of the frame and this will open to the panel. So far I am impressed. I like that I do not have to remove the glass panel completely. I would be so afraid of someone falling into it if I needed to place it on the ground.
The panels are very easy to care for. The windows with blinds between the glass need to be in the open position. Next you can remove any dust build up if there is any with a vacuum cleaner curtain attachment. If you see any smudges or dirt you may use a warm cloth to wipe away the dirt. However if a major cleaning needs to done, which really shouldn’t because the blinds are so well encased, take a tray of warm water and mild soap and dip the blinds in. You can then rinse them with clean water and air dry them before placing them back in.
Windows with fabric shades between the glass can be cleaned using the vacuum and drapery attachment. It is important that if you need to use cleaner on the shades that you choose a product that has a non ammonia base. Ammonia will damage the fabric. In order to keep the between the glass fabric shades from fraying check them over after each cleaning. You will want to use fabric repair glue if you see that any fraying has begun on you fabric inserts.
It is important that when cleaning the decorative window panel options for your window to pick a day that is cool and dry. If the temperature is high or the hot sun is out wait to clean them. You will want to dust the dirt off with a soft sponge that has been placed in a mild soap and water mixture. You will want to thoroughly rinse with clean water and carefully blot them dry with soft clean towels. It is important that you never rub the panels for they are easily scratched. It is also important not to use a scraper or squeegee. Another tip is to never leave the panels soaking or never power wash them. It will ruin the panels.
I am starting to love the idea of having windows with blinds between the glass. I love the idea if I ever tire of the blinds I can switch them out and replace them with shades or decorative panels. The feature allows a lot of variety and can be changed depending on your mood, the season or the ever changing décor of a room.

Due Diligence: An Important Business Process

People often wonder how businesses go through the process of being bought out. It is such a long and tedious process for the business owner. More goes into a business take over then what employees even know about. The business owner will have to work with the seller through many of the processes of the sale in order to complete the takeover. One such task that takes time is due diligence. This is the process of taking a detailed look into the business you are looking to purchase.
There are a number of things required in putting together a due diligence report on a company. You must review the fiscal performance, inventory and property, staff, operations, clientele, marketing, vendors and competitors. The aspects of the company need to be thoroughly reviewed to decide if this company if going to be a fit for you to purchase. The due diligence process is one that can take several weeks and should not be rushed. If the seller is over eager and rushing this process it is a sign to be weary.
Every business type is different and will therefore need to be looked at differently. The uniqueness will determine the type of due diligence that you have to complete. For instance, if you are buying a retail business verse a company that offers services or perhaps an all cash business verse a large manufacturing company. They all require a different process to ensure that each unique aspect of the company has been thoroughly reviewed.
In reviewing the fiscal performance of a company you will want to review past and current financial records. It is important to see what bills are coming in to determine what money is going out on a regular basis. It is also important to get a record of all incoming funds. It is necessary to determine areas that are running fiscally sound and those in need of improvement. You also need to have a very good idea of all account receivable. If you see that a firm is lax in their collections you will want to know this in order to develop a plan of attack when you take over. It is necessary to review anywhere from 1-3 years with the information to get a current look at the financial systems of the company.
Due diligencealso looks into the company’s current and historical inventory and assets. An example of this would be a restaurant. Ovens, refrigerators, tables and linens are all part of the assets owned by the company. Take into consideration also all of the food products and staples that the firm has. These are all things that due diligence takes into consideration.
You will want to discuss the staffing also. You need to determine which personal is full time, part time, what benefits are offered and employee plans. It is a discreet process that should be handled very carefully. Many times employers do not want employees to get wise of the company be sold. My husband’s company has been discreetly purchased over three times. Literally he was not aware until the purchase was complete and the deal was done.
Due diligence also looks into the operations of a firm. If you are a gas station you need to buy gas. A liquor store buys liquor. These are the things that go into the operations of a company. Some company’s use sophisticated systems in the daily operations of a company while others are operated in a more informal manner. You need to determine what you are getting into and due diligence when you determine the way a company operates. It is also important to determine what vendors are currently being used and what costs are associated with them.
Clientele and marketing are important in learning about before taking over a firm. You may have a preconceived notion of what type of clients and marketing are used when in reality something totally different exists in this climate. Due diligence determines who the clientele are and what type of marketing programs work for them.
Due diligence also takes a detailed look at the competition within industries. You will need to determine if competing in a highly competitive industry is what you are up for when taking over a firm. It is important that you recognize who your main competitors are to determine if they are really a threat and you are a little fish in a big sea or if the opposite is true.
Once you complete a thorough review of a company you are interested in sit down and analyze the due diligence report. The money spent on this process is equivalent of a home inspection before final purchase. At the due diligence point it is a contingent offer after the final review is when you decide to continue on with the sale, to ditch the sales, or whether you need to lower your offer based on the information found.

Age in Place Remodeling: Keeping the Independence Alive

I have the best grandmother in law. She is highly independent, full of spunk and insistent that she will forever live on her own. In order to understand my concerns you must understand she is in her eighties, has been in several severe car accidents and has recently had her hips replaced. She has a rod holding her back in place and has a limited range of motion in her neck. The scariest part of her accidents was one car crash that landed her in a halo. It is very disturbing to see a loved one in head gear that limits their mobility that much. Through this entire time Gram has stated that she will continue to live in her own house without aide from a daily helper.
After her hip replacement she was in a rehab facility that was very close to where we all live. We thought for sure we had her hook line and sinker into moving closer to us in one of these assisted living facilities. Boy was that the wrong thing to hope for. Gram is very independent and wants to continue living in that manner. It might be scary for us but this is her life and she has lived long enough and through enough that she is allowed to make these decisions on her own.
In order to help her age in place we brought in a general contractor that specializes in aging in place remodeling. One of the major areas of concern for us was the fact that she still insisted on doing her own laundry which is in the basement of her home. In order for us to feel safe for her to continue with this practice we needed to install a chair lift. This was a very easy fix after all. The chair lift was a bit pricey but the installer was able to complete the whole project in a weekend and she is now able to go up and down the stairs without us having to worry. She sits in the lift buckles in and away she goes.
There were a few issues that we had concerns about within the house. For instance there are times when her knees are very weak. For this we had installed a seat within her shower and grab bars around the tub and toilet. This alleviates the issue of her needing extra support. We were also concerned with the door handles. She often has a hard time gripping them so we had the handyman come in and install levers. These are much easier for her to use.
There are many different products available for purchase to help seniors age in place. If you have someone in your life that is not interested in going to one of those and I will quote Gram, “places where old people live.” mind you now she is in her eighties, hire a contractor who specializes in age in place remodeling. They help make their home safe and help them keep the independence they so desire.