Month: March 2017

Categories
Home design Homes in tampa bay Homes tampa bay fl

Production Homebuilders Creating Homes and Communities

Production home building process

If you’ve been giving serious thought to purchasing your first or second home, you may have already viewed several existing houses for sale. Have any of these come close to what you imagined your new home should be? Even when these homes are within your desired price range, it’s possible you will still need to remodel one or more rooms, replace out-dated appliances, and create new landscaping in order to make it just right.

While the costs associated with renovations and repairs may be within your budget, wouldn’t you prefer to move into a house that already has everything you want and need? Recent figures show that 8% of first-time and repeat buyers are earning $200,000 a year or more. Homes that are priced at $500,000 or higher are being purchased by 10% of these buyers. While the local housing market depends on a variety of factors, including housing availability, why not consider purchasing a new home within a production homebuilders community?

If you’re curious about production home builders, the National Association of Homebuilders (NAHB) states these developments are privately-owned, planned communities with a variety of amenities. In addition to being close to shopping areas, they tend to have walking and bike trails, beautiful landscaping, and playgrounds.

There are several benefits to purchasing a home in one of these communities. In addition to being able to choose from several home design plans, open floor plans may also be an option, according to NAHB. Since open floor plans have become even more popular for family life and entertaining, you may enjoy seeing these as well during a model home tour.

Interior and exterior changes may also be available. You might, for example, have the option of choosing a large, modern shower stall rather than a bathtub. Exterior changes could include adding a patio or deck rather than a grassy area or flower bed.

Production homebuilders usually provide other interior options so that you home reflects your taste, personality, and lifestyle. NAHB states homebuilders, in general, will offer prospective buyers several options on interior features. These are also available at different price points, which can be an added convenience whether or not you need to remain within a specific budget:

  • Appliances
  • Countertops
  • Carpeting
  • Flooring
  • Cabinetry
  • Fixtures

In 2014, NAHB conducted a survey with Millennials on what they most wanted in a house. While the features vying for first position did vary, these were all considered to be important or essential:

  • Separate laundry room
  • Linen closet
  • Walk-in pantry
  • Garage storage
  • Bulk-purchase storage area

Another survey showed that 49% of prospective home buyers would actually pay more for a home with an ensuite master bath. Central air conditioning is something else that homeowners are willing to pay more to have. New kitchen appliances are on that list, with roughly 69% of homeowners willing to pay more for these.

Since production homebuilders tend to be environmentally-conscious and want to provide energy-efficient homes, NAHB states these new constructions have increased insulation and Energy Star-certified appliances. It has been shown that when combined with proper insulation, Energy Star-certified appliances can increase efficiency, lower utility costs, and benefit the environment.

Once you take a tour of the model homes at a production homebuilders community development, you can ask about the home building process and timeline. When considering the benefits of moving into a new, rather than an older home, it’s important to remember that you will be part of a community.

Categories
Nursing homes and assisted living facilities Skilled nursing facility What is an assisted living facility

3 Ways Memory Care Services Can Improve Your Eldery Parent’s Life

If you are looking for home health care or similar options for assisted living in Palm Bay and the surrounding area, you likely have a lot of questions and some concerns as well. You may be worried about your loved one and have questions about memory care and other services that might be available.

Finding a healthcare facility that offers services for dementia and memory loss can be a challenge and locating the best Alzheimer’s assisted living facility can seem like a daunting task. But there is hope and you can find the best senior care options for your loved one. It starts with the first step, which is to compile a list of the best memory care centers you can compare and choose from.


Searching business listings for local centers can be a way to start off. You can also search online for “local affordable memory care near me.” And finally, if you have a smartphone or other device you can tell it to “find an Alzheimer care facility near me.” The process can be challenging, but it is important to take that first step and now you can take it with confidence!


Affordable memory care facilities near me offer a variety of affordable, homey living spaces while acting as alternatives to nursing homes for dementia patients. Residents can live in an apartment-style community with friends and neighbors who share the same interests or have help from one of our award-winning nurses.

They are proud to provide personalized attention, responsive care services, and an award-winning memory support program to keep residents engaged, healthy, and happy. Their well-trained and experienced staff work closely with your family to find the best solution for you and your loved one aging at home.

Are nursing homes good for dementia patients? Memory care facilities are the type of residence that is most appropriate for dementia patients. These facilities offer a safe environment for assisted living for dementia patients and a comfortable living environment that provides seniors with personalized care which is customized according to their needs and abilities.

A nursing home is not a good option for dementia patients because it can be challenging to provide them with the personalized care they need. On the other hand, assisted living is already designed to offer this type of service and can be tailored specifically to meet their needs.

Memory loss is among the things you should be keen on when dealing with an elderly person. As they age, the chances of developing mental health issues such as dementia increase. They lose sharpness in their thinking and decision-making, hence the need to provide proper care. While you might be putting a lot of effort into taking care of your loved one, they can get the best care when you consider memory care facilities.

The availability of doctors and specialists in a memory facility creates the best avenue to provide the care and attention the elderly need. However, before you decide, you should find affordable memory care facilities near me. This is vital as the cost of treatment and care differs between the facilities. Ensure that you have information on the average cost of memory care to compare with your budget before deciding.

Consider choosing a memory care facility depending on your loved one’s health issue. Before deciding, ask yourself, are nursing homes good for dementia patients? The answers you get should help you consider alternatives to nursing homes for dementia patients, such as in-house assisted living with a trained nurse present. The information you have about the facilities and the services they offer can help in making proper decisions.

Cost of memory care

Caring for an aging loved one, such as a parent, can be difficult physically, mentally, and emotionally. 37% of us over the age of 50 don’t want to believe we’ll ever need care, though reality shows that as many as 70% of us, twice that figure, will in fact require long-term care. This refusal to believe what is inevitable for many stems from a fear of burdening family. One study found that 55% of seniors said their greatest fear regarding aging was being a burden on their family. They even reported being five times more concerned about being a burden than dying.

Memory disorders, like dementia and Alzheimer, are especially widespread throughout the senior population and can often require the most care. Alzheimer’s, for example, is the sixth leading cause of death in the United States, but is the only top 10 cause of death in the U.S. that cannot be prevented, slowed, or cured. In order to take this type of action, an elevated level of care, beyond what an adult child or family member can provide, is often needed. Despite the financial and emotional strain placing your loved one in a memory care center may cause, consider these three benefits of memory care services when contemplating the decision:

    • Strengthened Sense of Community Raises Levels of Happiness

Making the decision to send a senior to an assisted living facility or somewhere for independent senior living can be very difficult. Adult children often feel like they’re abandoning their aging parents. In reality, 84% of residents in these communities end up enjoying their stay so much that they would recommend their community to someone else. A 2009 study by the ProMatura Group, LLC shows that becoming part of an independent senior living community allows seniors to make more new friends and try more new things than their counterparts not in facilities. Overall, residents mostly report the experience being better than they expected.

    • Enhanced Stimulation for Improved Brain Health

For an elderly person experiencing memory loss, having continuous n=mental stimulation is key for management. By the time we each reach age 80, our hippocampus has lost 20 percent of its original nerve cells. The brain itself actually shrinks and becomes less efficient as we age. With this natural degradation in mind, having the opportunity to provide aging loved ones with activities for seniors in assisted living situations is a paramount opportunity. Seniors reported in one study that their favorite activities included reading (71%) and pursuing religious activities (53%).

  • Highest Level of Care Possible
    By finding an assisted living facility for your aging loved one, you’re also ensuring they receive the best care possible. Patients with dementia, for example, can greatly benefit from continuously available memory care services. Residents typically receive 24-hour supervision, three meals a day in a group dining room, and a range of services to enhance their quality of life and independence. These activities include personal care and memory care services, medication management, along with housekeeping and maintenance.

 

Categories
American red cross clothing donations Red cross clothing pickup Red cross donations

Four Benefits to Donating Clothes to the Red Cross

Red cross clothes donation

When it comes time to clean out your home, it’s important to decide where your unwanted items will go. Sadly, most people take their items directly to the curb to be thrown away. According to research done by the EPA, people in the United States throw away about 10 pounds of clothes per person each year. When you donate clothes to Red Cross donation centers, you’re keeping clothes out of already full landfills.

The Red Cross has provided relief for families in communities all across the world. This organzation operates 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, to help give clothing, shelter, food, and blood to those in need. One of the most well known non-profit organizations, you can enjoy peace of mind knowing you are donating to great and established organization. Here are three benefits you can enjoy when you donate clothes to Red Cross.

  1. Helping Others in Need – One of the most important benefits of donating items you no longer use is the value it will have for someone in need. The satisfaction that comes with knowing you’ve provided clothing to someone who might freeze without it gives you an immense sense of pride. Many others who regularly donate do so because they enjoy helping others. In a recent survey, 63% of donors cited “giving back to the community” as a large motivator for their donations. Most of us are much more fortunate than we think which makes the decision to donate even more helpful to others

  2. Great for Tax Deductions – Some people who have shied away from donating in the past have been unaware of the tax benefits associated with giving back. It can’t match the value you get from helping others but any help during tax time can be a motivator to donating clothes. The write-off amount that you receive from donating will depend on various factors. Amount of merchandise, quality of merchandise, and how many separate times you donate are all factors in determine your write-off amount.

  3. Helping the Economy – Clothes donations might not seem like that much of a big deal to you. However, your donations can greatly help the economy, at a time where this help is desperately needed. It is estimated that $666.1 billion is added to the United States economy by non-profit organizations. It is amazing to think that the simple act of getting rid of older clothes can have such far reaching of an impact.

Red Cross clothing donations can greatly change the world we live in. The first benefit of knowing that you helped others in need will make you feel great. Instead of throwing away old clothes, it is much more valuable to give them to those that truly need clothing. The tax write off potential for your clothes donations are a welcome benefit for taxpayers. Some people have to pay more in taxes than others making donations a great way to reduce the amount of money you owe each year.

In summary, Red Cross donation centers are located throughout the world which means you shouldn’t have to travel too far to donate your clothing. Used clothing donations are doing much more than clearing out your closest, they are giving much needed clothes to those who are less fortunate than you. When you donate clothes to Red Cross centers, instead of throwing away your clothes, you are doing your part to make the world a better place to live in. The satisfaction you will likely get from helping others could ensure that donating becomes a valued part of your life.

Categories
Custom amish gazebo Custom shed Playhouses nj

Three Surprising Facts About Amish Goods

Amish adirondack chairs

If you’ve ever had the opportunity to take a drive through Amish country, you know the magnificent beauty of the Amish barns and quality sheds that grace the horizon. Even if you’ve never step food anywhere near the areas that produce Amish built sheds, you know that there are no great quality sheds, garages, farm tables, and all other furniture things than the product of Amish workshops. We all know this. But their are a lot of things regarding Amish-made goods that you might not be aware of. For example, here are a few truth bombs that might take you by surprise:


Three Surprising Facts About Amish Goods

  1. Amish-made Goods Don’t Always Look Like They Were Made a Century Ago.
    The image you have of Amish made goods probably looks like it belongs in Abe Lincoln’s grandmother’s cabin. The reason for this is the great quality sheds and other outbuildings that are build by Amish hands are made to last forever. The structures that were produced by Amish builders a hundred years ago are still around today, looking like they were just built. However, this doesn’t mean that Amish builders are only able to create goods that look like they’re from the last century. In fact, like all craftsmen, Amish builders are usually hip with what’s hip. They build furniture and goods to compliment any design style that their customers are looking for. In fact, unlike any manufacturers who produce goods in a factory overseas, Amish builders can accommodate any instructions that their clients give them. They don’t just create superior quality sheds, garages, and furniture; they create high quality and custom sheds, garages, and furniture.


  2. Amish Goods Aren’t Just Available to People Who Live Nearby
    We enjoy buying everything we need with the click of a button. Thanks to retailers like Amazon, we can get toilet paper, furniture, groceries, and maybe even vehicles on the World Wide Web, without leaving the comfort of our home.


    Meanwhile, to quote the great lyricist, Weird Al Yankavich, Amish craftsman shun fancy things like electricity. Because of this, it’s easy to assume that Amish made goods aren’t available to you unless you’re able to physically visit an Amish workshop and talk to a craftsman in person (shutter at the thought). However, as with any other kind of manufactured goods, Amish goods follow the normal supply chain of manufacturers, wholesalers, and retailers. The skilled hands that build your Amish-made goods probably aren’t posting selfies on Instagram. However, there are suppliers of Amish goods who are reachable on the interwebs. These go-betweens are happy to work with you to get the Amish touch that you want, no matter what part of the globe you’re on.


  3. Amish-made Items Don’t Cost an Arm and a Leg.

    We all know that Amish goods are better quality than their counterparts that are created on a conveyor belt in a factory across the globe with very little quality control (or human rights, for that matter). However, some people assume that the improved level of quality that comes with a skilled craftsman making your piece of furniture by hand and demanding perfection of themselves will come with an equally high price tag. However, there are several reasons that Amish made items have lower overhead than big box items.

    1. The furniture you buy from a big box furniture store come with about a thousand line items that you’re paying for. Your piece of furniture pays a CEO and a staff of hundreds of factory workers, transporters, logistics workers, sales people, and cashiers who had a hand in producing the piece. On the other hand, Amish made goods only go to pay the craftsman who actually builds your piece.
    2. Included in the price tag of mass-produced goods is the cost to source the materials in one part of the globe, ship them to another place to build the piece, and then ship them to your local store. Meanwhile, Amish craftsman generally source the materials they use to build their goods locally from sustainable sources. This costs a lot less and puts far less middle-men who take a cut in the equation.
    3. Amish builders believe in the principal of wasting nothing. This means their materials go much further, costing you less.

Do you have questions? Share below!

Categories
Clothes donations Red cross clothing pickup

DOs and DON’Ts for Donating Goods to Charity

Clothing donations

Have you ever considered clearing out the clutter you have around the house with a Red Cross clothing pick up service? We know what you’re probably thinking…”Red Cross clothing pick up service? I thought the Red Cross was for blood donations and money!”


In reality, the Red Cross is instrumental in meeting a wide range of needs when disaster strikes across the globe. Some of those needs are met with your blood donation. Some of those needs are met with your cash donation. And some of those needs are met with their Red Cross clothing pick up program.


When you use a Red Cross clothing pick up service, you’re able to clear out the unneeded clutter in your home, without even leaving your drive way. From there, the Red Cross uses your goods to take care of people in need. Your unneeded items meet a need and get a second life, rather than collecting dust in your home until you threw them away and they ended up in a landfill. That’s what we call a win, win, win situation my friend.

However, there’s a right and a wrong way to make used clothing donations. Whether you’re making American Red Cross donations, or you donate clothing to any other equally valid organization, please remember our list of DOs and DON’Ts:


DOs and DON’Ts for Donating Goods to Charity

  1. DO Group Similar Items Together

    The volunteers who work in the receiving center at the Red Cross, or any other organization that you give your goods to, sort through thousands and thousands of bags of goods per day. It’s their responsibility to figure out what is suitable to be reused or sold in their thrift store, and what should be recycled.


    Now, imagine that those thousands of bags were actually filled with jigsaw puzzle pieces that created one big picture, but you didn’t know what that picture was. When you put the bottom to the pot in this box and the lid to it in that box over there, and one flip flop here and the pair in another bag down the way, the volunteers who have to sort out your stuff are essentially doing a jigsaw puzzle without any reference picture. They don’t even know if you included both shoes in any of the bags. As you can imagine, this requires more effort than value they can really get from your donation.


    Instead, take just a few extra minutes while you’re boxing up your goods and attach like items together with a rubber band or tape. While we’re on the subject, it makes it a lot easier on the sorters if you put all the kitchen items together in a single box, and all the clothing items together and so on. Then, you’ve done the hard part of the jigsaw puzzle for the volunteers.

  2. DON’T Donate Trash

    Whether the organization you’re giving to is giving your goods directly to families in need, or selling them in a thrift store and using the cash to further their purpose, they can’t do anything with items that are broken or too worn out to be used. In these cases, the volunteers usually have to discard the broken and worn out items. In fact, you pay a trash service to come pick up your garbage. When you give unusable items to a Red Cross clothing pick up program, you’re literally treating them like a free trash service.


    If your unwanted items are not usable, look for an organization that recycles them for another purpose instead of an organization like the Red Cross that wouldn’t be able to reuse them.


  3. DO Treat Fragile Items as You Would if You Were Moving.

    As we mentioned above, items that are broken don’t really serve any purpose for a charity like Red Cross. If an item is in good shape when you turn it over to the donation pick up workers, but breaks before it makes it to the donation center, it serves as little purpose as if it were broken to begin with. To protect your donated items and ensure they do the most good, wrap breakable items in news paper or grocery bags or bubble tape or another protective barrier and write, “Handle with Care!” on the exterior.

Do you have questions or comments? Share below!

Categories
Folding chair rentals nj Party rental equipment nj Wedding tent rentals

The 22 Parties You Most Throw in A Lifetime

Chair rentals nj

We go to a lot of parties. In fact, we’ll probably end up going to at least fifty parties in our lifetime. Then on top of that, there are many different kids of parties out there. Here’s a list of the 22 parties you’ll most likely throw (and need to prepare for with things like party rentals in nj) or attend in your life.

  1. A Viewing Party/Game Day Party
    Get the chips and dip out, it’s time for a viewing party. Whether you’re watching the latest episode is a “must watch” show or watching the Superbowl, this is a party you’ll definitely go to at least once.
  2. Bachelor/Bacherlorette Party
    Hopefully, this’ll be your party to throw one day. What type of party you’re having decides which kind of party equipment you’ve got to bring with you. No shame in pulling out the phallic objects for a bachelorette party or bringing a wad of one dollar bills with you to a bachelor party.
  3. Wedding Reception
    Then of course, once those parties are over, it’s time to celebrate the big one. This one will demand more planning and party rentals in nj like wedding linen rentals. Ironically, if you went to the first party, you’ll also have to go to a party the next night. This one however is all ages and is a great event to have fun with friend and family. Hold a spot in the electric shuffle line for me.
  4. Sweet Sixteen/Bat Mitzvah/Quinceanera/Debutante Ball
    Next, you have the coming of age party. There are many different forms of it. This could involve South American culture, Jewish culture, European culture, or anything else. So, if you’ve got a kid who’s getting up there, it might be time to order some party rentals in nj and throw a party.
  5. Birthday Party
    The same could be said if you want to throw a birthday party. Maybe you want to celebrate yourself getting a little older. You want to enjoy the mark of another year in your life or another year in a friend/family member/lover’s life. If it’s a kid, you could get double points for a coming of age party AND a birthday party.

  6. Wne Party
    Or maybe you want a slightly more adult party. Maybe you just want to get some close friends together to enjoy each other’s time and a drink or two. You get bonus points if you eat cheese and fruit as well.
  7. Costume/Halloween Party
    Maybe you want to dress up a little. It’s fun and festive to throw or go to a costume party. Wear a sex outfit or something that’ll get laughs from all your friends. Just be prepared for the itching and scratching you’ll have to go through for the entire night.
  8. Tea Party
    Next, we’ve got a party that’s centered all around a drink (and one that’s non-alcoholic). Maybe it’s a little past noon and you and your friends want to get together and talk. That’s what a tea party is perfect for. Think of it as the daytime version of a wine party.
  9. Christmas Party/New Years Eve Party
    Next, we’ve got two of the biggest holiday parties of the year. Get your ugly sweater out and prepare your streamers for the party after that one. These parties are all about eating and dancing, so prepare for both activities (and the tired feeling you’ll have afterwards).
  10. Dinner Party/Pizza Party
    Speaking of eating, you’ll also go to a party focused on eating at some point. While the dinner party may be a little stuffy based on who you’re eating with, the pizza party is always a crowd-pleaser.
  11. Sleepover
    Next, we have the sleepover. This is usually a party for younger people, but who knows, you may have one when you’re in your adult years. Grab a few pillows/blankets and a good movie and you’re all set.
  12. Pool Party/Cookout
    Lastly, it’s great to enjoy the outdoors. Order party rentals in nj like a tent to escape from the sun and have a blast enjoying the cool pool water and the delicious meats cooked on the grill.

There are many parties that we will go to in our lifetime. Some of them’ll be thrown by us and some by others. What’s for sure is that they make our lives a lot more fun.

Categories
Metal roof contractors

What You Need to Know About Metal Roofing

When it comes to replacing or restoring a roof, most people start thinking about changing their current material to something more durable or cost-efficient. You can research many options online, depending on your home and area. It should be easy to find prices and where to buy certain things, but only a roofing contractor can recommend precisely what you need and install it.

Homeowners often look at metal roofs, which have many benefits, including longevity. According to This Old House, a well-maintained metal roof can last as long as 50 years. It’s remarkable, and the initial expense is worth it if you won’t have to worry about repairs or renovations for several decades. If you’re interested in this material, you should probably look for aluminum roof pans for sale and black corrugated metal roofing.

Always consult with a local roofer before replacing your roof to ensure a smooth process. You should also check your neighborhood’s HOA rules to avoid being stuck with a fine after a remodel. No matter how amazing future roof systems become, having a structure that can last for decades with minimal maintenance is always the better option. Let’s find out more about metal roofing so you can make a decision.

It is normal to feel confused by all the available roof kinds if you’re in the market for a new roof. Fortunately, you may simplify your decision with some reliable information from roofing professionals. Like everyone else, you probably want to settle for the best option, such as curved corrugated metal roofing for your home.

Compared to asphalt shingle roofs, metal roofers can last up to seven times longer. In addition to lasting longer, you won’t need to spend as much money as you would with other types since corrugated roof sheeting prices are pretty affordable.

Even if you were considering the priciest metal roofing materials, such as copper, zinc, and stainless steel, you would still spend roughly 30% less than you would for other varieties. You can also opt for the cheapest standing seam metal roofing.

To help you develop a budget, ensure you work with an experienced roofing contractor. But to ensure they are competent to accomplish any roofing task, they should be able to address queries like, “Can you put a metal roof over existing shingles?” before hiring them. If you’re in the market for a new roof, you may feel overwhelmed by the many different types of roofs. Fortunately, with some solid facts, you can make your choice easier.

Choosing Residential Roofing
Like anyone, you’re likely looking for something that is going to last. And guess what? A metal roof can last up to seven times longer than asphalt shingle roofs. Aside from lasting longer, you don’t have to shell out a ton of cash like you would with other types. Even if you were looking at the most expensive metal roofing types, such as stainless steel, zinc, and copper, you would still be spending about 30% less than you would for other types. Another way you will be saving money is with your annual home energy bill. You won’t receive such a surprise bill as you will be saving up to 25% with metal roofing.

Benefits of Metal Roofing Wisconsin
Not only will you be providing your home with an energy efficient, money-saving option, but you will also be helping the environment. A brand-new metal roof contains between 30% and 60% recycled metal content. New metal roofs are actually 100% recyclable as they reach the end of their service life. Additionally, you can customize your new metal roof with over 100 colors to choose from, including premium colors. You will be able to match your roof with the rest of your house perfectly. With another type of roof, such as asphalt shingles, you would only have approximately 20 colors to choose from. With two styles available, you can choose either vertical panels or interlocking shingles. Another major advantage is that a metal roof has the potential to protect your home from severe damage with its wind rating of 140 miles per hour.

As you lean towards purchasing a new metal roof, you can feel reassurance knowing that if you properly provide maintenance, the roof can last up to 50 years. You can even hire your local metal roofing contractor to take over the maintenance for you so you can receive professional residential roofing care. When hiring metal roofing contractors, you won’t ever have to worry about going up on the roof yourself; you can leave that job to the experts.