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The Top 9 SEO Trends to Look For In 2019

It is that time of the year where we all begin to reflect on the past year and look ahead to see what is coming on the horizon. This is true in both our personal ventures and in business. So much can change in just a years’ time, software is developed, processes are upgraded, and algorithms change. It is crucial, especially when it comes to your business online that new trends in SEO and digital marketing are considered. Get a jump start on your 2019 online marketing goals by considering what experts are labeling “the most important SEO trends of 2019”.

Who is your target audience? What is their intent?

According to industry experts knowing, defining, and building your online marketing strategy around these two things will be more important than ever before. Understanding what people’s expectations are with any given search query and providing the answer/solution with your website and overall online presence is the most effective manner to meet your audiences need. The goal for marketers is to stay ahead of people’s preferences because they can change quicker than can be imagined. If you are successfully able to do this, Google will reward you with higher search engine placements and site visitors are more likely to invest in you.

Search engines outside of Google

In 2019 experts agree that the importance of placement on Google, although high, will shift towards traffic coming in from a variety of sources and search engines. The goal is to effectively drive traffic and look to engage people in outlets other than just websites.

If your target audience, as defined above, are searching for apps then your website ranking will not be nearly as important as your rank in the app store. If your audience is full or video viewers, then it is crucial that your videos appear towards the top of where they are being searched. The main objective is to rank well on Google and engines that are being used by your audience. Drive traffic through all mediums that your audience is using.

AI: The importance of artificial intelligence

The use of structured data is becoming critical in SEO as the shift from mobile-first to AI-first continues. The information gathered by AI must show a relationship and within a timely manner. AI processes text quickly and will bypass required information if it is taking too long to crawl the data as it is being presented.

In 2019 the importance of structured data, schema, active and passive search behaviors and intent make the process and behaviors leading to the search a critical part of SEO. As digital marketers we need to start diving deeper into the relationship between keywords, topics, and audience behavior in creating and implementing structured markup. Using a combination of site architecture, meta data, site tags, and structured data allows marketers to give the proper signals to search engines to back up the sites topical and supportive content.

Generate incomparable content

In 2018 we learned that Google’s algorithm was focused mainly on the quality of the content and this will not change a whole lot in 2019. It was found that websites that were able to provide in-depth, high quality content increased significantly in their placement on search engines. Websites with weak content, although previously ranked highly, dropped in placement on search engines and website visibility became minimal. Website content writers must create content that is able to answer questions and solve users’ problems. The best way to do this is through the creation of content that relates to, moves, and brings solutions to your target audience.

Boost knowledge, become an expert, and create trust

Not only is the content important but quality is also determined in that the content fits into the context. As marketers it is not likely any authority will be placed on your content if you have not proven to be an authority on the subject. What this means to us is that we must work to leverage ourselves within the industry as an expert. Back links and other important SEO measures must be received through sources that show expertise in areas we are looking to specialize in.

Technical aspects of search engine placement

The complexity of technical SEO practices will not go away in 2019. There are some key technical components that will continue to play a role in your placement including:

Site Speed: The speed at which your website pages load on desktops and mobile devices will continue to play a role in rankings. Your audience has about three seconds of patience. In order to get the best loading speed possible for the pages on your website follow this advice:activate AMP on your pages, use HTTPS, move to PHP7, optimize, and use critical rendering paths.
JavaScript: Websites are heavily Java Script driven. Be familiar with this popular programming language and how search engines work best with JavaScript driven websites.

Optimization on-page

On-page site optimization hasn’t disappeared in its level of importance with the increase in elements that are now significant in search algorithms. On-page optimization is not an aspect of SEO that can be put in place and forgotten. Each and every quarter, on-page optimization should be reevaluated and modified as seen fit.

Prepare for the importance of voice search

The last decade of SEO has been all about mobile optimization although 2019 isn’t going to be full on voice search it is time for marketers to consider it and start to include voice strategies in their online marketing techniques. Voice searching is an easy way to request answers to simple questions however might not yet be the best option for more complex needs.

Optimize for featured snippets & Google SERP features

Not only must your own website be optimized, in 2019 the Google experience must also be optimized for. Your sites exposure will come in a combination of ways, visibility is key. Featured snippets should be programmed to answer questions to questions users will have related to your website. These snippets could range from recipes, knowledge graphs, answer boxes, and who knows what else. Programming these snippets into your site are guaranteed to see an increase in your organic traffic.

Creative Programs and Systems, CPS, is an all-inclusive IT solutions company offering a variety of services including: managed IT services, IT consulting, residential computer services, custom programming,website design, iphone & android app development, and more. More information can be found at https://cpsmi.com.

Radiation Therapy: Two Common Photon Treatments

There are several common types of radiation therapy that are used in treating cancer today. Radiation therapy is classified according to the type of radiation particles or waves that are used in treatment which include: photons, electrons, or protons. The most commonly available treatments using photons and electrons. In this installment we will look further into treatments using linear accelerators, LINAC, and CT Scanners, in the treatment of cancerous tumors.

3D Conformal Radiation Therapy

3D conformal radiation therapy is a method of treating cancer that uses CT imaging, Cat scan-based, in the treatment of cancerous tumors. In 3D conformal radiation therapy, the tumors and organs are well-defined 3D images as opposed to flat images that are gotten from x-rays. Tumors are outlined in three dimensions on a CT scan. Healthy organs are defined as well when scans are performed so that technicians can see areas that need to be avoided.

Radiation beams are then organized in the best possible way to avoid healthy organs while delivering the highest dose of radiation possible to the cancerous tumor. Patients are placed in the same position as they were when their CT scan was performed. This allows for accurate placement of beams according to the scans that were obtained.

Special software is used that calculates the total amount of radiation that will be delivered to the tumor and normal tissues to assure that the tumor is sufficiently covered in radiation while healthy tissues and organs receive as little radiation as possible. The radiation beams are adjusted even further based on the software’s calculations to give healthy doses of radiation while being manipulated into varying positions and shapes as defined by the tumor. Radiation beams are directed using one of two types of machines: Cerrobend blocks or multi-leaf collimators.

Cerrobend blocks are individually shaped to form specific, custom-made shapes that create the correct beam for treatment.

Multi-leaf collimators are skinny, metal blocks that move independent of one another in a quick, swift manner to form complex patterns to shape radiation treatment beams. They are commonly used in IMRT.

Intensity Modulated Radiation Therapy (IMRT)

IMRT is another form of delivering photons in the treatment of cancerous tumors with the possibility of lowering the dose of radiation delivered to non-cancerous tissues. Planning for IMRT begins in a similar fashion as 3D conformal radiation therapy in that it starts out with simulation. The tumor and organs are all outlined and shown as three-dimensional objects. Several beams of radiation are situated at varying points around the person in order to deliver the optimal amount of radiation. In IMRT, the beams are divided into a grid pattern. The large radiation beam is split into numerous smaller beams known as beamlets.

Software is used to establish the appropriate pattern to break the beamlets down into from the larger beam to prevent radiation targeting healthy tissues while delivering the optimum radiation to the cancer. The multi-leaf collimators often form more than fifty different shapes during radiation treatment. The main advantage to this type of radiation therapy is that the patterns the beamlets form are precise and the radiation controlled. IMRT is often utilized when cancerous tumors are in positions that are difficult to treat.

Often tumors that are directly adjacent to or wrapped around normal healthy organs, IMRT is used. Intensity modulated radiation therapy reshapes the radiation in the best possible way to avoid normal organs while delivering large doses of radiation to the tumor. IMRT is used commonly in the treatment of head and neck tumors where there are many other significant structures and organs that are near the tumor such as the spinal cord.

The one downside to IMRT is that it can take longer to plan and deliver treatment than other 3D conformal therapy. Radiation can also be a bit more uneven as well because of the small beamlets that are being used. Although normal organs are out of danger of high doses of radiation larger number of normal organs receive low doses of radiation which can be a disadvantage. As of today, low doses of exposure to radiation are unknown. Tumors must continually be monitored for movement and shrinkage to ensure that radiation is being delivered to the cancer.

As an independent LINAC service company, Acceletronics is dedicated to delivering the best equipment performance and services for linear accelerators and CT scanners across all major brands and models, as well as new and refurbished LINAC systems for sale. More information can be found online at https://www.acceletronics.com/.

How Exactly Is My Cataract Going to Be Removed?

Cataracts have become a common complaint amongst the aging population. In fact, cataract surgery is one of the most common surgeries performed in the United States today. Thankfully, surgery is very successful step in treating cataracts and improving patients’ vision. The word surgery itself seems to invoke a lot of fear let alone pairing it with the word eye. The good news is that most patients undergoing cataract surgery not only experience improved vision, but they do so with little to no side effects.

Cataract surgery is performed by making two incredibly small incisions in the cornea. The cornea is a transparent dome that is made up of tissue that covers the front of your eye. The incisions that are made into this tissue are less than 3 millimeters. This is very small incision.

Once the two incisions have been made, your cataract surgeon will inject a gooey thick material into the front of your eye to help it keep its natural shape while the surgery is performed. The goo that is injected is a substance that naturally occurs in your body. The thickness of the bi-product ensures that leakage does not occur while the surgery is performed.

Phacoemulsification is the technical name of the cataract surgery we are discussing. In Phacoemulsification your surgeon creates a lens capsule to hold the lens in place. This is done by creating an opening with in the natural sac and then separating the lens from the capsule by using a salt solution. Once a surgeon has opened the capsule the lens can move freely within it. A specialized ultrasound is used to break up the lens into a bunch of small pieces and suck it out of the eye.

Before Phacoemulsification, cataract surgery looked a lot different. In prior surgeries cataracts were removed by making a large cut in the cornea and removing the lens in one solid piece. This procedure required an extended recovery time as well as increased risk of infection, complication,and lasting side effects.

In Phacoemulsification once the lens pieces are removed, more goo is injected into the lens capsule to help keep it open and to make room for the placement of the new lens. The new lens is then placed into the lens capsule and allowed to unfold naturally. The goo material will have kept the shape of the eye throughout surgery and the two small incisions will self-heal.

This surgical option to removing cataracts was introduced over forty years ago and remains the most popular method used by eye surgeons in removing cataracts today.

Rohr Eye& Laser Center offers the most advanced technology available to suit your lifestyle and visual needs. As a leader in laser vision correction and cataract surgery, our goal is to help you achieve the best vision possible without glasses or contact lenses. More information can be found online at https://michiganlasik.com.

Help! What Water Treatment System Do I Need?

There is a lot of confusion surrounding the best water treatment solution for your homes water. There are major differences between water filters, water purifiers, and water softeners. Many consumers use these terms interchangeably and believe they perform similar process however this is not the case.

Each of these water treatment options has its own process and removes completely different impurities within your homes water. If your goal is to have cleaner drinking water that is free of lead, chlorine, and other impurities should understand that a water softener does not meet this goal. Instead water softeners are meant to remove scale buildup from water.

Before comparing filters, purifiers, and softeners it is important to know what we are using them for; what is it that we want to remove from the water? Natural water picks up chemicals compounds, minerals, and impurities get picked up along the way. Calcium, magnesium, chlorine, pesticides,herbicides, waste, bacteria, and even viruses can be picked up by your homes water as it travels into your home and out through your faucets.

These impurities should be removed from your homes water supply before it is utilized for drinking and cooking as if ingested can present issues to one’s health. Water filters and water purification systems can help remove the impurities mentioned above. Other items, unrelated to the health of your water can also build up in the water supply and if left untreated can present problems with buildup in your homes plumbing as well as reducing the lifespan of your appliances. The minerals that allow scale to build up are only removed with the usage of a whole house water softener.

What is a water filter?

Water filters can be installed to treat water at the point of use or to filter water throughout the house. A filter can be used to remove and/or reduce impurities like chlorine,lead, chromium, copper, nickel, and more. Water filters also help to inhibit the growth of algae, fungi, and bacteria in water although should not be considered the end all solution for these water impurities.

What are water purifiers?

Water purification systems help to fully remove the bacteria and viruses in the water. Purifiers do not remove chemical contaminants like water filters do however when used in conjunction with one another they prevent chemical and natural chemicals from ending up in your homes drinking water or water supply in general if installed to purify and filter the water throughout the whole house.

What is a water softener?

There are two types of water softeners: one that uses salt and one that uses potassium chloride. Although two very different systems they do offer the same solution in that they remove the minerals and impurities in the water that create build up in your homes plumbing. Water softeners don’t target the contaminants in water or even make it safer to drink however they do filter out the ick in water that results in appliances running inefficiently and help to prolong the longevity of your homes plumbing, appliances, and such.

Before you purchase a water treatment option it is important to have your water tested by a professional water treatment expert. They will help to pinpoint the type of water system that you need for your exact problem. Some water may use a combination of treatments while some water issues may be addressed with just one option. In the most problematic water systems it may be necessary to install all three systems to work in conjunction with one another.

The experts at Reynolds Water Conditioning have a solution to your homes unique water quality needs including: arsenic, bacteria,chlorine, rotten egg smell, fluoride, hard water, iron, lead, acid, tannins, radon, and more. More information on our water treatment solutions including water softeners and conditioners, water filtration and purification, reverse osmosis drinking water, and iron &odor removal can be found online at https://reynoldswater.com.

Treating Cancer With Radiation Therapy

There are many parts and components that must be considered when servicing and repairing linear accelerators and other types of radiation therapy equipment. Consider the inner workings of LINAC systems and the process they go through to deliver targeted radiation and you will see why professional servicing and maintenance is required.

External radiotherapy is done with the use of specialized radiation therapy equipment. This equipment is designed to aim beams of radiation at the source of cancer. The most common types of radiation being through the use of high energy x-ray beams. Other types can include particle beams, such as protons and electrons. These beams are used to obliterate the cancerous cells within the are being treated while preventing radiation damage to healthy cells.

Radiotherapy works by harming the DNA within the cancerous cells. The DNA is the genetic code which controls the behavior of the cells. Radiotherapy damages DNA directly on contact or creates charged up particles to damage the DNA. This treatment should stop the growth or kill the cancer. When cells die your body will break them down and get rid of waste substance. Normal cells could be damaged but usually repair themselves.

Before treatment can begin your doctor will want to go over the short- and long-term side effects. Most will be temporary and can be regulated with medication. The team that treats you will use a combination of images including x-rays, CT scans, MRI scans, or PET scans. They will be used to monitor the size of the tumor and measure the shrinkage that is occurring.

Radiotherapy machines, like linear accelerators, are very large and can look extremely intimidating. A LINAC uses electricity in creating radiotherapy beams. The machine will never touch you and the radiation will not be felt. Some discomfort can be expected from the side effects of treatment but can be controlled using medication. For radiotherapy to work the radiation must cover the entire cancerous area and the surrounding border. Physicians will give the lowest dosage possible to prevent damage to the health tissue surrounding the cancer. This will reduce the risks of side effects to the healthy tissue.

The dose of radiation you are prescribed will be divide up into small doses known as fractions. Instead of one large dose, these smaller doses allow the same amount of radiation overtime which helps to alleviate the side effects and allows the healthy tissues time between treatments to heal. Radiation can be given as palliative care which is given to alleviate the pain associated with cancer or as a treatment to cure the cancer.

Radparts is the world’s largest independent distributor of OEM replacement parts for Linear Accelerators and Radiation Oncology equipment. Radparts provides high quality, user friendly, low cost parts support for linear accelerators and radiation equipment. More information can be found at https://www.radparts.com/.

Procrastinating On Closing Your Pool For The Winter

By now, most of us Northerners have shut down our pools in preparation for the winter season. Let’s face it, unless you are a polar bear and enjoy frigid cold-water temps you aren’t going to be swimming after November. However, there may still be a few of you out there that have delayed the inevitable and need some quick tips to get your pool safely closed now that autumn has faded, and winter mayhem is knocking at the door.

In order to prepare your pool for winter, it is crucial to complete some very basic maintenance. The first and most important step in shutting down your pool involves balancing the water that will be left in the pool. Not only is balancing the pH of the pool critical for the pools water clarity it is also crucial in increasing the longevity of the pool equipment. A pH level of between 7.2 and 7.6 is suggested in order to keep the water sanitized throughout the winter months.

Another vital step is to finish the season with a clean pool. Cleaning the surface of your pool will help to prevent permanent damage and surface stains on the pools plaster while the pool sits stagnant in the coming winter months. All leaves and debris should be removed before the pool is closed to prevent difficulties removing them in the spring.Along with cleaning the pools water the pools filter should also be removed and fully cleaned. This will help the filter in the spring to operate properly and avoid complications opening the pool.

When closing your pool for the winter it is also important to protect the pools plaster from the growth of algae. Algae can quickly turn the cleanest of pools into a murky mess. There are a number of chemicals that can be added to the water to maintain an algae proof environment.

If you haven’t figured it out by now, it is important to leave the water in the pool. DO NOT EMPTY THE POOL! The water should be left above the skimmer box. Keeping the water in the pool prevents putting a strain on the structure which could cause extensive, not to mention expensive, damage.

Once these steps have been completed it is important to further protect the pool from falling debris by placing a cover over the top of the pool. This also will help to keep the water balanced.

Now if you haven’t, go close that pool! Winterizing your pool makes opening the pool in the spring 100 times easier. If this all sounds like too much to you it give us a call and we can help!

Pound Pool Plastering offers several options when it comes to servicing your pool including plaster, caulk, tiling, cement decks,plumbing, and coping in both commercial and residential settings. More information can be found at http://www.pound-pool-plastering.com/.

Changes To Medigap At The End Of 2019

When you are purchasing a Medicare supplemental policy it is crucial that you use care when making your selection, especially over the next few months. At the end of 2019 certain Medigap plans will no longer be available.

Medigap Plan F, which is known as the premier supplemental insurance plan, will no longer be available for new enrollees. Medigap Plan F is currently the most comprehensive supplemental insurance plan available for purchase. If you are a Medicare beneficiary that doesn’t want any healthcare cost surprises, then this is the ideal plan for you, but it all ends at the end of 2019.

Even though Medicare Supplemental Insurance Plan F will no longer be available after the end of 2019 for new enrollees eight different options in Medigap will be. Participants that are enrolled in Medicare Plan F before the cut off at the end of 2019 will still be allowed to continue coverage. Industry experts are predicting that the premium of Plan F may make it so that it is not cost effective and participants would be better off enrolling in Plan G.

Currently Plan F is the most expensive Medigap plan available. Medicare enrollees are willing to pay top dollar to be enrolled in this plan because they can see any doctor and go to any hospital that accepts Medicare patients without having to worry about a surprise bill after. With Medigap Plan F there is no deductible, no co-pay, or coinsurance. The next closest Medigap policy to Plan F as far as coverage goes is Plan G. The only difference as of right now is that there is a deductible that enrollees must cover at the beginning of every year.

Rates for Medicare Supplemental Insurance differ state to state and between insurance companies as well. In the last few years the lower costs associated with Medigap Plan G have been drawing beneficiaries of Medicare away from Plan F. Although a number of predictions have been made as to the effects that eliminating Plan F will have on Medigap, we won’t know for sure until the change goes into effect at the end of next year.

Some thoughts are that in 2020 Medigap Plan G rates will jump as all new enrollees will be accepted regardless of their health. Another thought is that the participants still enrolled in Medigap Plan F after they stop accepting new patience’s at the end of 2019 will have to pay more for the same coverage. Without enrolling healthy young people to help offset the costs, sicker people will make up the majority of enrollees. In order to cover Plan F the premium that it paid will increase.

The experts at eMedigap Plans, powered by Omega, have all the answers you are looking for when it comes to your Medigap Supplemental Insurance needs. More information can be found at https://emedigap-plans.com.

Original Medicare, Medigap, and Medicare Advantage Plans

Enrollees of Medicare often find themselves without the coverage they need. There are a lot of holes left in coverage when only enrolled in Medicare Part A and Medicare Part B, also known as Original Medicare. There are two ways that these gaps can be filled: Medicare Advantage or Medigap.

Although the two options are similar in that they offer health coverage beyond the generic hospital and physician benefits of Original Medicare, they are vastly different Medicare options.

Medigap

Medigap plans are supplemental insurance plans that are enrolled in to fill in the voids left by Original Medicare alone. There are ten different Medigap plans that beneficiaries can enroll in, plans A, B, C, D, F, G, K, L, M, and N. Each lettered plan offers the same coverage know matter what insurance company it is purchased from. All the plans with the same letter however offer the same exact coverage. Premium scan vary depending on where the plan is purchased through. No matter which state in the United States you live in, other than Wisconsin, Massachusetts, and Minnesota, the coverage you will receive in each of the lettered plans will be the exact same.

Medicare Advantage Plans can be chosen over Original Medicare. Medicare Advantage Plans offer more comprehensive coverage but under stricter guidelines. With MA, enrollees receive the same set of benefits, often more than, they would with Original Medicare however under different rules, costs and restrictions. Most often Medicare Advantage Plans require that you see certain in network providers, receive referrals for specialists, and might offer extras not found with Medigap such as vision and dental care.

If you decide to enroll in one of the plans over the other and later decide this is not the coverage that best suits your need you can switch during periods of open enrollment. There are a number of rules to familiarize yourself with when choosing coverage for your health care needs as you age.

The experts at eMedicare Supplemental Insurance, powered by Omega, have all the answers you are looking for when it comes to your Medicare Supplemental Insurance needs. More information can be found at https://emedicare-supplemental-insurance.com/.

Overcoming The Challenge of Shipping Freight During The Holiday Season

Shipping freight during the holiday season can be quite challenging for any company. Customers want guaranteed delivery and with the increase in shipping needs to be met,this often proves to be a complex task. To take the stress of shipping freight during the busy holiday season it is important that logistic managers use a combination of historical data, present knowledge, and updated technology to ensure that holiday shipments are delivered on time, every time. When planning for your critically timed shipments consider the following:

Gather Critical Shipment Information Required by Carriers

A lot of information is needed when shipping freight to receive an accurate quote. This is especially true in LTL shipments. In order to receive timely and accurate quotes be sure to update carriers on the following:

Shipments Origin: City, State, and Zip
Shipments Destination: City, State, and Zip
Required Pick up and Delivery Dates and Times
The Number of Pieces, Pallets, or Crates in The Shipment
The National Motor Freight Classification, NMFC
Total Gross Weight of the Entire Shipment
Detailed Description of Your Commodity –(Hazardous shipments must have a UN# and packing group)
Special Instructions for Pickup and Delivery

Properly Packaged Freight

To avoid possible delays, it is important to take any confusion and eliminate it from your shipment. In LTL shipping it is important that your freight is properly packaged. Your shipments should be stacked heaviest to lightest vertically and shrink wrapped. Shipments should be palletized, strapped or banded to prevent the freight from coming apart during shipping. Freight that remains intact while handled throughout its expedition has a better chance of bring delivered without delay.

Make sure all packages within the shipment are properly marked and labeled on all sides. Don’t only include the destination details be sure to also include the details of origin. If there are special requirements when handling your shipment make sure they are stated on readable labels on all sides of your shipment.

Utilize a TMS for Prominence in Consideration of the Best Rates and Service

A transportation management system can save companies not only time but money as well. A TMS simplified will help to bridge any gaps between shippers and carriers, allowing companies to get rates, transit time, and such when deciding on shipping,streamlining the process.

The best way to guarantee customer satisfaction is to plan ahead. Put limits on what you can and cannot guarantee. Obviously, orders placed days before the holiday is set to be celebrated can’t possibly be guaranteed. State up front your cut off date for guaranteed holiday season and after that any shipment sent is a bonus if it is received in time for the holiday.

Matrix Transportation is the fastest growing freight transport company in the Midwest, founded in 2009. As an up and coming industry leader in freight management including shipping, warehousing, and cross docking services with the highest quality transportation solutions for the manufacturing and automotive industries. More information can be found at https://www.matrixtransportation.com/.

Updating your Curb Appeal When Selling your Home

When it comes to home improvements nothing is more important than your homes curb appeal. This is particularly true when you have decided that you want to sell your home. No matter how the house looks on the inside if the outside is a total mess from the curb, buyers aren’t going to add it to their must see list of houses.

The good news for us is that exterior home improvements are those that get the biggest return on your investment. Bigger returns on investment often lead to greater home values. Unfortunately, not all home renovations are treated equally. Below you will find the top exterior home renovations to give you the biggest bang for your buck!

The Installation of a New Front Door

Having your front door replaced sounds simple and it is however, replacing an old, low-quality door with an ornamental steel door really has an impact on your homes overall value. This single exterior home improvement can net you over 80% on your ROI while really changing the overall curb appeal.

A professional exterior home improvement expert can take your renovation a step further by adding a pediment and changing up the moldings around the doors frame. These updates not only help to enhance the door itself, they add an overall intensity to the appeal of the front door.

Upgrading Your Homes Front Porch

The front porch of your home is where you welcome your guests and where future buyers will see themselves inviting family and friends inside their new home. Front porches bring images of sunshine, sweet tea, and overall relaxation. A front porch addition also works to increase the usable outdoor space of the home. People always consider the addition of a deck however, a new porch can offer up to a 70% return on investment. Additional seating on a porch is always a great idea but to chance up the overall look consider adding faux stone to enhance the siding and other architectural front porch features.

New Fiber Cement Siding

No matter how many upgrades you do to the exterior of your home if your siding is peeling, cracked, warped, or rotting it can really decrease the appeal of the exterior. New fiber cement siding is a popular option for the exterior of your home as it doesn’t warp, peel, chip, or rot. Its increased longevity is a real value to buyers. Another selling point of fiber cement siding is its resistance to fire and insects. Homeowners that have fiber cement siding installed can be confident that this is a purchase that will stand the test of time.

Add Lighting Around the House and Landscaping

Lighting is an important aspect both inside and outside of your home. For optimal curb appeal add lighting elements beside doors, especially the front door, and accent lighting around the exterior of the home. Additionally, landscape lighting should be added to accentuate key features around the yard. Play off of your usable space with additional lighting to emphasize the size of your lawn. Even the smallest of yards will seem bigger and more usable when lighting is added to the space.

Replacing Your Homes Roof

Without a doubt your roof is one of the most important exterior elements of your home. Not only does it protect the structure from the daily climate changes, it also plays a large role in the efficiency of energy throughout your home. Older roofs often have a number of issues from small leaks to missing shingles. It is important to have your homes roof inspected yearly. A roofing contractor is an expert is finding damage we may miss before it becomes something more major than just replacing your homes roof.

The great news if you do need to replace your roof is that there are an abundance of new materials available in roofing. Long past are the days when your only option were flat, three-tab shingles. Now-a-days homeowners have endless options in roofing materials including architectural shingles that reflect solar rays! Long gone are the days where our air conditioners have run all day fighting the heat that is being transferred throughout our homes from the attic that has retained the heat of the sun. We all know what efficiency adds up to in the long run, additional money in our pockets!

As a full-service home improvement contractor servicing all Southeast Michigan, Kearns Brothers, Inc. offers clients a wide range of services to meet their construction needs including:roofing, siding, window, masonry, chimneys, gutters, and insulation services. More information can be found at www.kearnsbrothers.com.