Monthly Archives: April 2017

Are You Getting Ready to Remodel Your Kitchen?

Your plan is to make the interior upgrades in your home the next priority. After some structural work to repair some foundation problems and to avoid any more possible damage from street creep, your husband then had the deck replaced. And while you love the new outdoor space, you want to now focus on some kitchen remodeling, including some specific upgrades to some of the countertops. Although you have loved the current counter that you carefully selected with the local laminate countertop manufacturer, you now want to see if you can afford to make some major upgrades after being in your home for nearly 20 years. You have been visiting some countertop distributors and although you are still not certain about your final decision you are getting closer.
From the information you remember when you worked with the laminate countertop manufacturer in the past, you understand the importance of making decisions about countertop surfaces. You know, for instance, that it is important to select a countertop that is easy to maintain and to clean, but that it is also important to pay attention to current trends so that you are able to make the best choices that will add to the value of a home. For the most part, even a minor kitchen remodel has an average return on investment of 82.7%, but it is important to select countertop surfaces that have lasting value and will still look good after they are used every day for many years in a row.
Consider some of these other facts and figures about the information that quartz, granite, and laminate countertop manufacturers share with their clients:

Standard size slabs of quartz are usually 60 by 120 inches.
Properly maintained, a laminate countertop can last as long as 10 to 20 years.
Laminate countertops are typically made of at least four materials: including kraft paper, resin, wear layer, and decorative layer.
Most quartz countertop manufacturers say their countertops can handle heat as high as 400 degrees Fahrenheit
25 square feet of counter space is typical in the average American kitchen.
69% of requested jobs were for kitchen remodeling, according to the National Association of Home Builders. This makes kitchen remodeling the second most popular request.

What to Look For in a Moving Company

Choosing the best long distance carriers is a matter of knowing what you want and finding out which carrier can provide it.
The first step in choosing your long-distance provider is to know what features are important to you, then find out how each carrier stacks up against one another. The best way to move your stuff out of state is by using doing background research on all available options. This will help you make an informed decision.
You also should compare the cost of pods cross country move as this can vary greatly depending on the quantity of your items. If you need to move quickly, you might be able to get a better deal with a local moving company than with other long-distance movers.
Once you find movers online, confirm whether they offer valuation protection for their services. With valuation protection, you won’t have to worry about paying more than the actual value of your belongings. Some companies may charge extra fees for special packing materials or for having your items shipped via air freight. It is always recommended that you ask them about this before making a final decision.

When it comes to a moving company, there are various factors to look for to ensure that the moving process goes well. One of the strongest factors that should be considered is the size of the moving truck that one will need. This will be based on how much there is to pack. This is important to consider because it helps to save costs.

Moreover, for larger packing sessions, one can also find affordable moving companies out of state. All moving services should also be assessed because there is also a focus on scheduling as well. Sometimes moving companies cannot come out on various days, and as such, it is important to plan ahead.

From there, the costs should be looked at as well, in relation to where one will be staying. For example; 2 bedroom moving costs are important to look at, as well as one-bedroom costs, etc. In the end, it is important that when assessing an all-moving company, all factors are taken into consideration. Moreover, this also relates to my own moving experience as well.

Each year, many Americans decide that it’s time for a change of scenery, so they move into a new home. The U.S. Census collected data that showed that from 2013 to 2014, 1 in 9 people moved to a new residence. Since moving can be an overwhelming time, hiring moving helpers is a great idea to let you take some of the weight off your shoulders, literally. When you try to find a moving company, you should make sure that you are looking for moving labor professionals that will cater to all of your needs. Here’s what to look for in a moving company:

Professionalism: After you’ve hired a moving company, wouldn’t you be disappointed to learn that the company doesn’t work in a professional manner? Don’t let things get to that point. Before you hire anyone, do your research and look into moving labor websites. You might need moving help by the hour. If so, make sure that you are paying for what you’ve asked for. Professional moving companies should provide you with instant moving quotes before you hire them. Do your best to ensure that the company is treating your fairly.
Reliability: You need a moving company that you can rely on. You’re hiring a moving company so that you don’t overstress when it’s time to move your belongings into your new place. Make sure that whoever you decide to hire is going to show up at the right time and be able to handle any of the furniture you need help moving. If you paid for moving help by the hour, then you should be able to trust that you’re going to get the help you need.
Trustworthiness:
You probably don’t move that often. The average American will move only once in five years. Therefore, before you hire a moving company, you want to feel like you can trust them. You want to know that all of your stuff is going to be handled with care. Consider looking into reviews about the moving company, so you can prepare yourself for the service that you expect to receive.According to statistics, almost 43 million Americans will change their residence every year. As you are about to do the same, you will probably want some moving help by the hour for all of your heavy furniture. Of course it is a good idea to hire a moving company for moving help by the hour, but you should make sure that you get the quality service that you deserve. Let us know in the comments if you have any more tips about what to look for in a moving company.

Tips and Tricks When It’s Time to Move

Moving can be one of the most stressful times in anyone’s life. There’s so much to keep track of, boxes, finances, family, correspondences. Not to mention how much money it costs to move. It can all seem really overwhelming if taken all at once. It’s so easy to look at the entire process with a mixture of frustration and despair but this doesn’t have to be how you approach it. Moving to a new place, whether in the same town or out of the country altogether, can an exciting, enriching time, one where you can learn so much about yourself and the people in your life. What follows is a short list of tips and tricks for before, during and after the move. There are easy and absolutely approachable ways to simplify any move. They exist. All it takes is a little step back so you can get an accurate appraisal of the situation. Do this and the world will be yours, even if for a little while. Don’t move feeling powerless. Move with specificity and intent. Move with power instead.

Itinerary

When starting your move

stuff

Organization

relocation

Time to Leave

Save Energy Install a New Modern Metal Roof

Are metal roofs worth the money? Whenever you get your roof replaced, you can consider changing to a different type of material that might be more suitable to your needs and budget. While metal roofs aren’t as popular as other types, they can be a great option. Are metal shingles good? There are many high-quality metal shingles out there that can keep your house secure and watertight. If you’re unsure about metal roofing, talk to a roofer about your options.

Like all roof replacements, you’ll need to pay for metal. Are metal shingles expensive? They can be, so make sure that you are prepared to pay for them. Consider multiple contractors and get quotes from each in order to compare their services. Like any project, don’t just go with the cheapest option. Instead, look into the pros and cons of each and carefully think about the results you’ll get.

Are metal roofs worth the cost? For many people, they can be a great option. So talk to a contractor to see if they’d suit your home’s needs.

If your roof has seen better days, you’re probably looking for a sturdy alternative to traditional roofing materials. Since you want a roof that can withstand inclement weather, have you considered aluminum or other metal roofing? In general, a metal roof will last 3 to 7 times longer than a roof covered with asphalt shingles.

You may be interested to know that roofs made out of copper, zinc, and stainless steel, which are considered to be expensive metals, will cost approximately 30% less than the least expensive tile or slate roof. Steel and aluminum are the most common types of metal roofing materials.

Some new metal roofs contain between 30% to 60% of recycled metals, which means that you’re contributing to the environment by using recycled materials. Furthermore, these roofs are also 100% recyclable when their service lives have ended.

When properly maintained, metal roofs will last 50 years or longer. If they’re coated with an aluminum-zinc alloy, however, a steel roof can even last up to 100 years. This is a much longer lifespan than roofs composed of asphalt or other materials.

When it comes to styles, metal roofs are typically constructed with interlocking shingles or vertical panels. Unlike asphalt shingle roofs, which are only available in 15 to 20 standard colors, modern metal roofs are available in over 100. This is obviously beneficial so that your roof provides a nice contrast to your home’s exterior color. Given the variety of roofing color options, you may decide to repaint your house as well.

Some homeowners may be motivated to have metal roofs installed because they can reduce energy bills up to 25%. If you have an attic, your metal roof contractor will make sure that it is properly insulated and has good ventilation. Taking care of these repairs can also make a significant difference in your home energy consumption.

One of the most beneficial aspects of a metal roof is that it can protect your home. In addition to being impact-resistant during hail storms, metal roofs have a 140 miles per hour wind rating.

Once you contact a metal roofing contractor, you can ask for an estimate as well as the time frame for completing the project. After the new roof is in place, your metal roofing contractor will be able to discuss how to properly maintain it.

Three Reasons Why Parents Choose Private Schools Over Public Schools

When you have a child and want them to have the best education that is possible for them, you may want to find an accredited private school that they can attend. There are many different types of private school, and today you can even choose an accredited online private school. For a young child, you can look for an accredited private kindergarten near me to find a place for your child to begin their academic career. For a mid-grade child, you can find the affordable private middle schools near me by comparing the tuition of each of them.

The best private school websites will tell you a lot about the academic load of the school as well as the private school extracurricular activities. Many private schools have interesting extracurriculars that are more than just sports. Choosing a few extracurricular activities each year can allow your child to grow up with a wealth of understanding of a number of topics, making your child well-rounded. If you are having trouble paying for private school tuition, ask each of the schools in your area about scholarships. Most private schools do offer scholarships to a few students are high-scoring academically but in a lower-earning range.

One of the most difficult decisions a parent will make early in their child’s life is whether to send them to a private school or public school. Many of us don’t think about private school until we actually have children, because public schools at often treated as the default option for most children. Yet often, private schools are not only more financially feasible than you might think before having children — they might in fact be the better options in your specific area. The benefits of private school aren’t those that are stereotypically seen in fictionalized television shows; rather, private schools offer tracks that are more tailor-made to fit your child’s specific needs. Kids who are academically inclined aren’t the only ones who benefit from private school — student athletes can also find the paths they need at private schools.

For that matter, private school isn’t just accessible for older children; there are also private preschools available, that feed into private elementary, middle, and high schools. Choosing a private school for your child doesn’t have to be a big social statement; rather, it’s you making the best decision for your family under specific circumstances. Nor does choosing a private school mean cutting your child off from a “normal” school experience. Below, we’ll look into the benefits of private school, and how they can help your child for the long term.

1. Size

One of the many benefits of private school is the typical sizes of top private schools compared to those of public schools. Public schools, understandably, are often fairly large, though this varies from region to region and can depend on how many grades the school accommodates. Private schools are almost always, comparatively, small. In fact, 86% of private schools have fewer than 300 students. Typically, this means that private high schools are less than half the size of public schools. For some parents, the idea of a small school is intimidating. Understandably, you might worry about whether or not your child can make as many friends in private school compared to public school. Firstly, we should note that size does depend on the area in which your private school is — after all, in large cities private schools have nearly 1.5 times as much enrollment as public schools. The smaller the school, the smaller its class sizes; and the smaller the class size, the more attention a teacher will be able to pay to each individual student. In a private school, your child isn’t a number but a person. Therefore, any problems they have will be quickly addressed; and their successes will be celebrated in a big way.

2. Education Quality

Perhaps among the most commonly-cited benefits of private school is the education quality. Public schools do tend to have gifted programs for students who aim to go to college. But often, intelligent kids can slip between the cracks in public schools, while private schools aim to help them as much as possible. Some private schools even have academic admissions requirements for middle or high school, just as a college would. Most private schools teach students with higher education in mind; it’s no wonder that 88% of private high school students apply to college, compared to just 57% of public high school students. SAT scores reflect similar results; the national average SAT scores for reading, math, and writing were 497, 514, and 489 respectively. Students in independent school scored 541, 579, and 550 in the same categories.

3. Safety

A major reason why parents choose private schools over public schools can sometimes be safety. In some areas, public schools just aren’t as safe as they should be. Public schools can be prone to drug issues, as well as violence. Private schools tend to have stricter requirements, and are thus safer. Many private schools often have religious angles as well, even if they don’t require that their students follow those angles. Therefore, many parents feel better about sending their children to private schools versus public schools.

What is a Church Congregation? Exploring Differences

Just as the earth consistently spins on its axis, the world, including everything and everyone in it, steadily changes. Religion is too often a debate, but even more often, a question. Many families have come away from organized religion these days; however, surveys have shown that 56% of adults still consider religion to be a very important part of their lives. Another 82% feel that religion plays at least some kind of role for them.

There are an unending number of diverse congregations throughout the world, each one providing some type of stability and direction for its members. The percentage of people who steadily attend a weekly church service has consistently remained at 37% over time. Most of these say that a sunday worship gathering is their preferred service to attend.

Religion was, at one time, a very important consideration for couples who were thinking of getting married. These days, however, a partner’s religious affiliation or beliefs has taken a back seat to other regards when people begin a serious conversation about spending their lives together. About 27% of married people asked said that when considering marriage, their spouse’s religious affiliation was a very important factor. Another 51% did not consider their partner’s religion to be very important when making their decision.

In truth, many congregations nowadays are made up of a very diversified class of people. For instance, a nondenominational church usually consists of people from any and every background, religious as well as ethnic and career. Nondenominational congregations are a mix of religions that have all come together with one focus and a similar belief.

Many people continue on into adulthood following the religion they grew up as a part of. People will often carry forward with the same beliefs their parents instilled in them so that their own children will have the stability of religion in their lives growing up. Since the years between 1972 and 1976, statistically speaking, there has been a growth of over 400% in the number of protestants who consider themselves to be nondenominational in their beliefs.

Nondenominational congregations separate themselves from the traditions and many of the practices of organized religion. These types of churches are becoming more and more numerous with time. A church community can be a group of people who gather together to worship and share Bible teachings, usually headed by a pastoral leader. The congregation shares the same beliefs and finds strength and comfort in fellowshipping, or spending time together.

A church community, on a larger scale, is a group of churches in a town or city, not necessarily of the same religion, but are all there for the support and betterment of local residents. Their core beliefs could be the same, or similar; however, they are tolerant of each other’s opinions and differences, and accepting of each other’s way of thinking. Every so often they might come together for a special event within the community.

The word community goes deep, as does its meaning. As life has become busier and busier on a daily basis, many people have begun to put their focus in places that do not include anyone outside of their own small circle of family and friends. True community, however, is inclusive of a wider range of people and factors. A stranger visiting a place of worship for the first time could be searching for something they feel is lacking in their life. One person extending the hand of friendship to a new face could make all the difference. Drawing other people in with a smile is part of the unwritten definition of community.

A church community is about accepting others without judgment. Putting aside differences is not always an easy thing, but it will be a positive influence on someone else’s life. Because issues are a part of life, no one is exempt. A church community can be a place where people who are feeling the pressures and frustrations of their own problems can go to find the peace they need.

Community, in the true sense of the word, can also mean family. Family loves, accepts, and forgives. Being a part of a church community, in living up to its potential, will provide all of this for its members.