Benefits of Open Concept Kitchen

People often say the kitchen is the most important room of the house. Homeowners tend to spend much time in a kitchen because you’re in full control of what happens there. It’s the meeting space for families, even more so than the family room itself. You eat there, you create there, and it’s the epicenter of the smell of breakfast in the morning. It’s a very important room of the house indeed, and the design is a key reason for this. From layout to color scheme, the kitchen is also one of the most customizable rooms of the house, but how do you know which design is right for you? As time goes on the idea of an open-concept kitchen grows more and more popular, but not everybody knows exactly what that entails. Open-concept kitchens have both pros and cons, like all designs, and knowing those are key to understand whether the design is right for you.

Space           

Open-concept kitchen design is exactly what it sounds like: a design that is more open rather than constrained. Sometimes the design disrupts the idea of a “room” itself. An open-concept kitchen can often be considered an extension rather than a room, an arm of the family or living room that brings in a more inviting atmosphere to it and because of this, an open-concept kitchen can naturally make a small space feel larger. This can also add to the volume of natural light coming in through windows in other rooms. Where some kitchens can be cramped in their own rooms, open-concept kitchens flow from another room and can inherit certain traits from those rooms. Conversely, an open-concept kitchen can sometimes make a room seem too big, with a messy kitchen being far more visible to guests.

Social Aspect

As mentioned, kitchens can often be the social hub for gatherings and entertaining guests. It can feel cramped when many guests are all in one room in a closed-kitchen design, whereas an open-concept gives more breathability for a large guest list. If you have guests outside on a deck or patio being able to see the kitchen from anywhere around the house is helpful and more inviting than having a closed kitchen design in a room of the house. However, noise can be an issue with an open-concept kitchen. For those quiet dinner parties having the kitchen in its own room can let the chefs of the family do their cooking without bothering the quiet guests outside in another room. With open-concept kitchens, the noise can either be better or worse depending on the setting, with a rowdier crowd being less bothered when the kitchen is essentially in the same room.

An open-concept kitchen can be a wonderfully modern design for your home, but how you plan on using it makes a difference. Keep in mind the kind of social setting your house will be and whether you want to use your kitchen as a space to hide away and cook or an inviting extension of another room for people in which to mingle.

JFC Remodeling is a full-service licensed contractor out of Howell, Michigan.  Specializing in kitchen and bathroom renovations, flooring upgrades, and home remodelingservices.  More information can be found online at https://jfcremodeling.com/.



Why is Asset Recovery Important?


Electrical plants can house a plethora of dangerous components and parts, and when one is torn down, for whatever reason, often what is left behind can be troubling for more than one party. Asset recovery is a very important step in this process and is something one should consider when dealing with large-scale tear-down projects. Fortunately, many organizations exist with fully insured, experienced, and professional experts who specialize in the proper recovery of assets of all kinds. Regardless, there are a few reasons to keep in mind as to why asset recovery is important.

Bad material in planet

 Electrical components may sometimes be made from natural resources, but the vast majority are man-made objects and thus do not do the planet any favors when left behind on tear-down sites. The material used to make these objects need to be recovered by a company that specializes in asset recovery so these materials can be stripped down and either recycled properly or reformatted to fit within new products. If this does not happen you can see these objects sticking around far longer than the planet would like, which benefits nobody.

Liabilities and cost

The cost of electrical components and parts can vary from relatively cheap to astonishingly high prices, depending on the nature of the item. It’s obvious that companies want to make money, so the idea of leaving assets and potential dollars on sites is not business owners. Being able to recover these assets ends up saving the supplier or manufacturer thousands of dollars AND prevents the assets from causing harm to the enviroment.

These components or IT assets can be a liability if not properly recovered and/or recycled. For certain IT components and devices, the possibility of sensitive information can always remain despite any attempts of wiping data, and anybody can recover these assets not affiliated with any professional asset recovery organization and use that data to their own advantage. It’s important that proper recovery is completed to not leave any potential data leaks from happening onsite.

Stolen

An obvious reason in which asset recovery is important bleeds into the prior two reasons: stolen property. Because a wide variety of electrical and IT components and parts are very expensive to the manufacturer no business wants to waste the money having their equipment stolen by somebody before it can be properly recovered. Theft is a widespread and universal issue spanning all industries and the theft of electrical components is not spared. It is an ongoing issue with theft and that is a good reason to support the recovery of electrical assets.

J & P Electrical Company is a full-service electrical company that supplies contractors, end users, and supply houses with new surplus, quality reconditioned, and obsolete electrical equipment. We offer a wide range of electrical equipment such as bus plugs, bus ducts, panelswitches, and transformers. Services include asset management, product reconditioning, and electrical products. More information can be found at https://www.jpelectricalcompany.com



Why Should You Choose Aluminum for Your Fence Material Choice


When choosing to install a new fence for your home or business, a few important considerations need to take place. Each fencing material has its own pros and cons and it’s a matter of preference on which qualities will matter most to you. Factors such as cost, durability, maintenance, and versatility will all be part of a decision to be made. Looking at what style of fence is trending the most these days, you will find that aluminum fencing is at the top of that list. The reason that aluminum fencing has become so popular recent years is since the list of pros for this type of fence shows more advantages than disadvantages shown below.

Costs

One of the first questions that is asked most about aluminum fencing is if the materials are expensive. The answer to this question is that aluminum is much cheaper than other materials such as steel or wrought iron. Aluminum does cost more than wood fencing, but because of its low- maintenance qualities, it will be a money saver long term. This type of fence is one of the most corrosion-resistant metals that will never rust, crack, or peel. Many manufacturers will offer a lifetime warranty on their aluminum fence products because of their long-lasting durability that can withstand the outside elements unlike other comparisons like wood, steel, chain link, ect. If a person decide to replace aluminum for any reason during its life, the metal is 100 percent recyclable and can even be purchased as used in many cases.

Appearance

Fencings main priority is typically the security aspect, but appearance can play a large part as well. Afterall, having curb appeal for your home with a fence that highlights or accents your entire property should matter. One main advantage of aluminum fencing is that the product is malleable which means it comes in many shapes, and decorative designs to match your home and preferences. Color choices can range from standard options like black, and white or various earth tones of brown/ beige in both matte or gloss finishes. It can also be painted after installation however the process to do so is much more complicated than painting a wood fence.

Minor Setbacks

With every choice that has to be made, there will always be disadvantages to weigh and with fencing, this is no different. Aluminum fencing may not be the best choice for everyone which is ok. One aspect to keep in mind, an aluminum fence is not the best option for privacy. Aluminum fencing will provide a low-maintenance barrier, but it does not hide what is on the other side very well. Secondly, aluminum is very light weight which can be a very good thing in terms of ease of installation even for a DIY project, but it may not be ideal for areas and regions that experience heavy storms. Compared to stronger fences like steel, it may be a better option for higher security areas as well.

iFenceUSA is an online distributor of wholesale aluminum fences and gates for residential, resort, commercial, and industrial applications.  As an industry leader in maintenance-free aluminum fencing products we have all your aluminum fence and gate needs covered.  More information can be found online at https://www.ifenceusa.com/.



Living With Cataracts

As we grow older our bodies deteriorate over time, and our eyes are not excluded from this. While not everybody has perfect eyesight from birth, everybody’s eyesight gets worse as we approach the twilight years of our lives, despite routine eye checkups with optometrists. One of the most common forms of eye deterioration is cataracts.

Cataracts is a gradual process, often not appearing until a later stage in life (although sometimes even later than that). Cataracts comes with its own set of symptoms and are relatively easily noticeable, and while may not be curable without surgery there are ways to slow down development.

What exactly are cataracts?

Cataracts are simply a cloudiness in the lens of your eye. A normal, healthy lens is clear and is the sign of great eyesight by letting the light through without obstruction. With cataracts, a noticeable cloud exists within the lens and blocks out light from adequately doing what it needs to do to let you see clearly. As mentioned, cataracts tend to show up later in life and grow gradually worse as you continue to age. One can attempt to slow down the gradual development of cataracts by doing your best to keep the lens in your eye as safe as possible from harmful ultraviolet rays from the sun. If you have glasses, making sure the lens of the glasses has an anti-UV coating is a simple way to help prevent prolonged exposure which can damage the eye and bring about an early arrival of cataracts. Sunglasses are also a popular way to keep your eyes free from damage, especially if you spend much time outdoors.

What Are the Symptoms of Cataracts?

Cataracts are relatively easy to diagnose. According to an article by the American Academy of Ophthalmology, clear signs of cataracts are having blurry vision, seeing double, being extra sensitive to light, having trouble seeing well at night, and seeing colors as faded or yellow. While there are plenty of factors that may play into blurry vision, cataracts are an ongoing eye issue, so a small and short case of blurry vision should not be any cause for worry.

What Causes Cataracts?

While aging is certainly a commonplace cause for cataracts, they can also be hereditary, so those with relatives who have cataracts can have an increased chance of developing them themselves. Cataracts can be caused by a single circumstance, such as an injury or surgery to the eye, or something long-standing, such as diabetes and prolonged sun exposure.

Cataracts can be treated by surgery and can restore your vision almost completely, so if you or somebody you knows suffers from cloudy vision or having issues seeing at night, contact an eye doctor to explore a safe method for treatment.

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.



Peace Of Mind With Home Maintenance Plans


Having a full-time job can be exhausting and the last thing on your mind when you get home is work on the never ending “honey do list”. What you may need is a home maintenance plan to take the stress out of coming home and let the professionally licensed home contractor worry about the ins and outs of your home repairs.

Who typically uses these plans?

Many of the clients that purchase these home maintenance plans fall into several different categories. Often, this is a great option for people who are in their elder years and wish to stay living in their own homes but are at a point in their life that they are willing to have someone else do all the handy work that they may not be physically able to do anymore. These maintenance plans make a great gift for children of aging family to give. They will be able to ensure that their loved one’s home will be properly cared for and the care-giving children won’t have to give up their own personal time on nights or weekends having to take care of an additional house but can spend more quality time with a person instead. Another type of person that can benefit very well from home maintenance plans for many of the same reasons are single parents or surviving spouses. Time, physical skills, and even tools needed to properly maintain a home can be very intimidating for these people. Or perhaps you are physically able and know what type of tasks need to be done but you just simply run out of time when the day is over and would rather do other things to enjoy in life. This too is a excellent reason to allow a professional contractor to do all the dirty work.

What type of tasks are done?

Glen Miller the home doctor offers 2 home maintenance plans that will be sure to fit all your home needs. Depending on a person’s budget and needs there is a basic checkup that any individual could need assistance with or if wanting a service more in depth, a complete physical plan can be chosen to guarantee the utmost home needs are met. Services that can be expected but not limited to be monitored and taken cared of are:

  • Annual inspection
  • Labeling of all valves for gas and water
  • Cleaning furnace
  • Testing circuit breakers
  • Changing filters on furnace and humidifier
  • Checks for water and gas leaks
  • Changing battery in smoke detectors
  • Winterize spigots around the home

What Costs Are Involved?

When deciding to start a home maintenance plan the first step is to have your contractor do a complete safety inspection of the home on the initial visit to give a list of all items that should be of concern and what are the next steps to resolve them. A detailed report will be given with a checklist of what items will be performed and a schedule for frequency of visits. Plans can vary and are designed on a monthly, quarterly, bi- annually or annually time period. Additional fees that can occur during these maintenance visits are typically only for additional materials that will be needed such as caulk, filters, insulation, ect. You can choose to provide the materials or on the next visit they can be picked up and installed by the contractor as well.

Glen Miller the Home Doctor is a licensed general contractor servicing Livingston County and the surrounding areas.  Glen offers a wide range of services including home maintenance plans, age in place remodeling, kitchen and bathroom remodeling, finished basements, and hardwood floor refinishing.  More information can be found online at https://www.glenmillerthehomedoctor.com/.



Common Details That Are Missed When Event Planning

There is no doubt that planning an event no matter how large or small will bring a certain amount of stress along with it which can cause you to sometimes forget to prepare for certain aspects of the party. Hiring a professional event planner can alleviate many of your stressful obstacles and being a good reminder for things during the planning process but no matter which route you choose, throwing a party solo or having the help from an event consultant, things will be forgotten or missing guaranteed. To prevent these occurrences from taking place it is best to have an organized event checklist that can be synced or shared with a team that is involved in the event.

Food for Thought

When choosing food options for your event, there are more considerations to make than just selecting an appetizer, entrée, or dessert.  It may come to a surprise that many of your guests are vegan or have another type of food substitution for guests with allergies and knowing this information before planning the food choices will help to eliminate any additional costs if needing to find alternatives last minute. Not only should your guests be taken into consideration, but also your volunteers or vendors that are working throughout the event to keep them fueled and allow the event to run smoothly from start to finish. If alcohol is being served at an event, it is important to research the venue or location is permitted to allow for it. Licensing laws vary by state and if needing a put in request for permit, this can take additional time that is not always planned for ahead of time.

Communication Is Key

From the moment you begin the event planning process, it is imperative to have written agreements from all vendors, venue, and any other correspondences involved in the event. This will avoid any confusion during the road of planning to all be under the same impression of expectations and guidelines to follow for timelines. Also communicating with attendees is very important so that proper planning and scheduling can be completed on their end as well. Simple ways to communicate with your guests is by formal invitations with the provided details or the newest form of communication is creating an event website or social media group for further interactions.

Prepare for The Unexpected

Having the best planning in the world will not stop mishaps from occurring during your event. There are certain aspects that will always be out of a person’s control such as weather conditions, unexpected health issues, and more. A professional event planner is always prepared for event changes so that the event will continue to go as smoothly as it was designed, even when some of the details have to be manipulated. Having a mindset that is relaxed and flexible will make the event more enjoyable not only for the party host, but everyone involved. It is wise to have a type of emergency kit accessible with first aid, extra supplies, and especially a back up plan in case things need to be changed with little to no notice.

Event Planning DC provides full event planning, partial event planning, wedding planning, month-of (day-of) event coordination, event styling/design and decorating services throughout DC, Maryland, and Virginia, with access to local and national vendors who may provide additional services suitable for your event and budget.  We pride ourselves on providing only the highest quality event coordination, giving you and your guests the perfect day, no matter what the occasion including exclusive corporate and non-profit events, weddings, Bar & Bat Mitzvahs, community events and milestone celebrations.  More information can be found online at https://www.eventplanningdc.com.



Salt Vs Salt Free Water Softeners

A recent debate that is brought up often after water softeners are which systems are better, the salt based or salt free softeners? Several factors will need to be considered when answering this question. In this installment we will look at how both systems work and what advantages/ disadvantages of each to understand which system is best suited in a certain situation.

Salt Based Water Softeners

Taking a closer look at how these products work, these systems are designed to remove hard water minerals like calcium and magnesium from your water which than provided soft water. This process of hard water removal is done through “ion exchange”. Salt based softeners require the use of salt pellets and regeneration periods or a recharge cycle. As a result, these systems will prevent scale buildup, reduce future staining on appliances and laundry, and personal hair and skin softness. They will ultimately save you money by prolonging the life of your water base appliances and use less soap/ detergent when cleaning. If your home has high levels of hard water, this type of softener will be your best choice for your concerns.

Salt Free Water Softeners

Despite their name, salt free water softeners do not soften hard water. They work by crystallizing calcium but does not remove it. Salt free water softeners are more specifically a water conditioner that prevent the hard water from adhering to the surface of an object such as the inside of your water pipes. An advantage of using this type of water softener/ water conditioner is that they do not waste water the same way as traditional softeners. They are also less expensive to operate and require less maintenance. This method of hard water treatment is not as effective as a salt-based system and will not be able to remove high levels of hard water.

Choosing Potassium Chloride

A third option that can be done to remove your hard water issues but will remain on the healthier side would be soften water by using the alternative of potassium instead of sodium. Potassium is an essential mineral that provides good health to people and to the environment. Water conditioning units at Reynolds Water are designed to use potassium just as well as the use of sodium. Simply change the product by changing to a different bag option and your set.

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.



Understanding Bus Plugs


If you are not an electrician or familiar with the terms used in the electric power fields, the products that make our homes and business run efficiently may be very mysterious. For some people, a bug plug sounds like its something the belongs in the automotive industry for actual busses? We are here today to get your electrical knowledge straightened out and give a inside look to what a bus plug really is and what it does.

What Is It exactly?

Bus plugs are basically what the name entails and are large industrial electric plugs that are like the ones you find in homes. However, Industrial or manufacturing plants that utilize heavy machinery require specialized power needs that is unique when compared to typical power distribution systems that are used inside residential or commercial buildings. Each bus plug is designed to connect to a specific section of bus duct or also known as busway, overhead and will then transfer electricity down to any chosen product whether it’s a lighting system or heavy equipment that needs power below. Busways were first produced in the late 1920’s for the automotive industry in Detroit and have since continued to improve and make their ways into many industrial plants to be utilized.

Why use them?

When looking at many industrial plants or buildings, many are structured in design with large open floor plans to maximize the total square footage and allow a variety of uses for the specific area. One of the major benefits of the busway and bus plug system is the flexibility of each product. With this type of installation, there is no physical hard wiring and the whole electrical system can be removed and rearranged to accommodate the building floor plan needed. As the future continues to change the machinery used, there are no concerns as to how power will be given to new equipment when things need to be moved or upgraded. Bus duct systems are a very efficient solution to get a lot of power to a big area that power distribution continues to change frequently. This is another reason why manufacturing plants need these products in order to provide large quantity of power to different areas of the building.

Proper Maintenance

Unplanned downtime can be detrimental and costly to any business and can be avoided with proper maintenance and service on products when needed. Bus ducts are extremely important in effectively providing power to switchgear and other different loads. Unfortunately, it is typical to find that critical systems that transmit power for industrial facilities are often neglected since many of people are unaware that regular maintenance and service is required even though bus ducts do not utilize moving internal parts.

J & P Electrical Company is a full-service electrical company that supplies contractors, end users, and supply houses with new surplus, quality reconditioned, and obsolete electrical equipment. We offer a wide range of electrical equipment such as bus plugs, bus ducts, panelswitches, and transformers. Services include asset management, product reconditioning, and electrical products. More information can be found at https://www.jpelectricalcompany.com



The World of Kitchen Designs


They often say the kitchen is the real most intimate room in the home. It’s a product of its user, and it takes on the personality over time. Any kitchen lover wants it to look like the best of their personality, but the actual options are even bigger than that. When remodeling a kitchen, you want it to look as best as it can, considering how often you’ll be in it. Luckily there are many options to choose from, a few of which will be covered here.

Modern

Arguably among the most popular designs right now, this design strays away from the more natural material used in other designs in favor of more manmade material, such as laminate, ceramics and molded plastics. Darker colors are preferable here, and give the space a more comfortable atmosphere, although some may find it rather cold. The design itself can be considered originating from midcentury Nordic design, with bolder angles and flatter surfaces.

Coastal

More popular, understandably, the closer the house is to water, coastal design focuses primarily on color. Because of the proximity to water, the colors and hues tend to reflect that of the beach, with brighter browns and blues. The accessories in the kitchen tend to be more beach-focused, with artwork and wall accessories favoring sand, boats, etc. A lot of kitchens in this design reside in vacation houses, as it lends to a feeling of being on or near the beach (a great getaway trip during those harsh winter months.

Country

Whereas modern designs favor manmade material and coastal designs favor beach-themed accessories, country designs tend to mix modern elements with natural material. The amount of woods and rustic material is prevalent alongside the more country-style accessories and artwork. Farm-style imagery and wooden furniture are the main elements of pure country design, but plenty of kitchen owners are now blending country and modern designs to create a sleeker and darker-colored country design.

Colonial

Colonial kitchen design marries modern rustic atmosphere with historical context and is a favorite among lovers of American history. Because of the historical context, clues of that nature can be found adorning the walls and overall decoration. The color spectrum sticks to earth tones and more muted colors, matching that of kitchens from the 18th century, and the use of different woods for furniture and cabinetry makes this easy. The lighting used should reflect the nature of lanterns, candles, etc, and can cast a warm glow over the room that is very cozy and inviting to guests.

JFC Remodeling is a full-service licensed contractor out of Howell, Michigan.  Specializing in kitchen and bathroom renovations, flooring upgrades, and home remodelingservices.  More information can be found online at https://jfcremodeling.com/.



What Goes into a Pool?

Having your own pool on your property is a wonderful luxury. Having full access to it anytime you want without having to worry about screaming strangers and lifeguards can be liberating, if you don’t mind being responsible for your own maintenance. There’s little doubt that any owner of a private in-ground pool is fully aware of all the elements that go into a pool, but those who may not own one but one day will may not fully be aware of what exactly makes a pool a pool. This article can be used as a brief overview of some important elements and the overall makeup of the plastering process used on every pool installed.

Plastering

                Plastering is at the tail end of pool installation. It is that final layer installed on the in-ground pool that smooths out the surface for users to touch without injury. This can also be installed using different material, such as vinyl and fiberglass. Fiberglass especially is much stronger than the typical plaster and is much more resistant to the typical wear and tear of the conventional plaster, such as mold, etc. Vinyl has the benefit of being much easier and quicker to install and is cheaper to install overall. It’s important to take any factors of your pool to heart before deciding on which liner to use, taking into consider the costs and general upkeep requirements.

Tiles

                The tile used in your pool may seem like a trivial element but when looked at visually the importance comes more into view. Using tile on a pool gives the owner an incredible diversity of options and looks to have your pool stand out in the neighborhood. Not only are colors an option but creating a design or pattern unique to your own personality will give you an edge and give your entire pool area its own personality that guests can recognize and enjoy. Aside from being a visual blank slate on which to craft your design, tiles can also be incredibly long-lasting if kept in good condition. Being an outdoor element, tile is designed and manufactured to withstand the harsh outside conditions and can last for years when handled correctly. Your pool can be the highlight of your property for years if you understand the maintenance and upkeep required.

Chemicals

                The pool makeup itself is important but equally crucial is the water inside of it. The water is where your friends and family will spend the time, so you need to be aware of how to balance it chemically to keep those people safe. The Pool Products website recommends the following chemicals:

  • Stain & Scale Preventer
  • Granular Shock Chlorine
  • Chlorine Tablets
  • pH Increaser and/or pH Decreaser
  • Alkalinity and/or Calcium Increaser
  • Cyanuric Acid (Stabilizer)
  • Algaecide and Clarifiers if needed
  • Complete Test Kit or Test Strips.

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 https://www.pound-pool-plastering.com/.