Home Insurance

6 Ways a Garage Makeover Can Create More Living Space

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With a little elbow grease, create a home office, gym and more

by Sheryl Jean | AARP | July 29, 2021 | Garage Makeover | Auto Insurance

A Los Angeles garage converted into a home office kept the garage door in place.

En español | If you no longer use your garage for a car or simply want extra living space, repurpose it.

A garage makeover can be as simple as redecorating or as complicated as a full-scale conversion to an in-law apartment. Turning garages into home offices has been a popular option during the coronavirus pandemic, experts say, but other uses include a larger kitchen, yoga studio, crafts room, children’s playroom or entertainment center.

It might take a little elbow grease — nearly two-thirds of Americans have a garage or carport, but only about a quarter of them can park a car in it because of clutter, a 2015 survey from Gladiator GarageWorks found. But the effort can expand your living space.

“It’s the kind of thing people are talking about now with everyone home trying to use their home better,” says VW Fowlkes, half of the architect couple behind Fowlkes Studio in Washington, D.C.

Regina Samani, 68, was living with her son and daughter-in-law in Los Angeles, but with a second grandchild on the way, they converted the garage into a separate living unit for more space and privacy. They don’t miss the garage because they park their cars in the driveway.

“It’s very nice,” says Samani, who moved into the apartment last year. “It doesn’t even look like a former garage.”

Before beginning on a garage project, check with your zoning or building department to determine if a building permit is needed. If you belong to a homeowners association, check the rules.

If you plan to use the space year-round, you may need to install insulation and a mini-split heating and cooling system. If you plan to power bright lights, kitchen appliances or many electronics, you may need to upgrade the electrical system. First, check if the garage can piggyback on your home wiring or ventilation system.

That said, here are six ideas for a garage makeover.

1. Home office

Paint the walls white or a bright color and add some bookshelves, good lighting and a large table for a desk, and voilá! Ron Cohen, a garage conversion expert and cofounder of Pearl Remodeling in Los Angeles, recommends painting the floor, adding an epoxy coating to the concrete or installing a peel-and-stick vinyl floor. Keep it uncluttered and professional looking for Zoom meetings.

2. Home gym/yoga studio

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How does my home deductible work?

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Safeco Insurance & Liberty Mutual Small Commercia

A home insurance deductible is what you pay out of pocket to repair your home if you have a claim. For example, if you have a $500 deductible and $2,000 in repair costs, you’ll pay $500 and Safeco will pay the remaining $1,500. You have a choice of deductible amounts; choosing a higher deductible lowers your insurance rate but requires greater out-of-pocket expenses should you have an accident. Connect with your Safeco independent agent today to get the details and determine the deductible options for your home.

Disclaimer: Subject to policy terms, conditions, and limitations. Discounts and savings available where state laws and regulations allow and may vary by state. State insurance requirements apply. Insurance offered by Safeco Insurance Company of America and affiliates, Boston, MA

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How to Get Rid of Stuff at Home

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Our decluttering tips will help you figure out what you no longer need

By Kevin Doyle | August 05, 2021 | Consumer Reports | Get rid of Stuff | Home Insurance

Sealed in a plastic bag in the back of Kris Schwartz’s bedroom closet is the student nurse’s uniform that her mother wore 80 years ago, complete with pinafore and removable cuffs. Her mother’s nursing cape hangs in a downstairs closet, and a journal her mother-in-law kept is safely stashed in the desk drawer of a home office. These relics are just a metaphorical speck in the “tsunami of stuff” Schwartz says she and her husband have accumulated in their Maine home over the decades.

“I have loads of books, mementos, baby clothes, and letters from people I’ve forgotten about stuffed in my closets and my cellar,” Schwartz says. “The garage is so full it’s sometimes hard to get a car into. Most of it serves no purpose or function, but I can’t get rid of it.”

Marie Kondo’s approach to tidying up may have inspired her fans to fold their underwear like origami, but it took a pandemic for many Americans to start to deal with their surfeit of stuff. “A lot of people suddenly needed to find space for two home offices as well as schooling at home,” says Cindy Sullivan, president of the nonprofit Institute for Challenging Disorganization. “The pandemic definitely contributed to a lot of decluttering.” Many secondhand and resale stores, hauling companies, and professional organizers have reported an uptick in business.

Rule 1: Get Ready to Let Go

For Dawn Castagna, a health industry executive in New York, getting started is the hardest part. “Analysis paralysis definitely applies to me,” she admits. “My wife says, ‘We haven’t used it, so it’s going.’ But I’m like, ‘Well, I don’t know. Who would be the right person to give it to? Should we sell it?’ And when I’m not sure about the right way to get rid of something, I just stop.” If you’re facing similar struggles, these three questions can help jump-start the process:

1. Do you really need it? Anything you don’t use or have multiples of can probably go. “Nobody needs 18 spatulas,” Ferrari says.

2. Can you easily replace it? Amanda Scudder, MSW, a professional organizer in Richmond, Va., recommends the $20/20-minute rule: Anything that would cost $20 or less and take 20 minutes or less to acquire again can probably go without creating much regret.

3. If you’re not using it now, will you want it in five or 10 years? “If it’s already in storage, ask yourself why you need to keep it,” says Amy Tokos, president of the National Association of Productivity & Organizing Professionals.

You also want to start small. Instead of tackling the garage, start with clothes. “Once you see how much lighter and more energized you feel after decluttering your wardrobe,” Scudder says, “you can take that energy into tougher categories.”

Ferrari recommends not handling anything you’re considering getting rid of. “It’s better to have a friend or professional organizer hold it up for you,” he says. “Once you touch it, you’re more likely to keep it.”

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5 tips to help you lower your monthly mortgage payment

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CNN —  Mortgage Payment

Having a smaller monthly mortgage payment is helpful in all sorts of ways. Not only does a smaller payment mean having to spend less money each month on your home, but a large mortgage payment can make it more difficult to cover your everyday expenses or to save money for retirement, family vacations or a rainy day.

Many lenders also want borrowers to have a debt-to-income ratio below 43%. This means that, generally speaking, all your monthly debt payments need to make up no more than 43% of your gross monthly income. A smaller mortgage payment makes it easier to reach this benchmark.

So, if you want to secure a lower mortgage payment on a home you’re looking to buy, or if you want a lower monthly payment on a home you already own, how can you do it? Fortunately, there are quite a few ways to accomplish this goal. Here are five of the easiest ways to lower your mortgage payment, some of which can lead to considerable savings over the long term.

1. Extend the length of your mortgage to lower the Mortgage Payment

If you already own a home with a monthly mortgage payment you’d like to lower, one strategy is to extend the length of your mortgage term. This is generally done by refinancing your home to pay off the existing mortgage with a brand-new one.

When you refinance, there are two ways to lengthen your mortgage. One is to simply start your mortgage again from the beginning, but another option is to change your loan repayment terms altogether.

Let’s say you’re currently seven years into a 30-year mortgage. If you refinance whatever principal is left on your current mortgage into a new 30-year mortgage, your monthly payments will drop because you’re now spreading out the payments across a new 30-year period and at the same time starting with a lower principal since you’ve already paid off a portion of the original mortgage.

Or, if you currently have a 15-year mortgage, you could refinance into a new 20-year or 30-year home loan, thus lengthening your loan term and spreading your payments out over a longer timeline.

How much can you lower your payment by extending your home loan? While the specifics will vary depending on your circumstances, a borrower who just started a 15-year mortgage for $250,000 with a fixed APR of 4% would fork over $1,849 per month in principal and interest. If that person switched to a 30-year home loan with the same APR, their payment would drop to $1,194 per month.

2. Refinance to get a lower interest rate

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The rise of modular construction

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The rise of modular construction: the pros and cons of modular builds and how to reduce your risk

Modular construction is on the rise, and it’s not just for small-scale builds anymore. In 2016 the first modular skyscraper—made from 930 prefabricated units—opened its doors to residents in Brooklyn, New York. Research suggests the modular construction industry will continue to grow by nearly 6 percent between 2020 and 2025.

Why is modular construction becoming a trend? Contractors cite the perks of a controlled building environment, significant cost savings, and shorter build times. But like any project, prefab construction brings along its own unique challenges. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at the pros and cons of modular construction and share strategies that could help reduce your risk when taking on a modular build.

Four benefits of modular construction

1. It’s fast.

Because the majority of the building happens off site, modular construction is significantly faster than traditional builds. Construction of the modules can happen concurrently to on-site building, which cuts down build times considerably. The factory environment and standardization of the build also mean contractors can take advantage of automation to speed up build time drastically and avoid weather delays or on-site changes that slow down the project. According to McGraw Hill, modular construction cut down build times for 66 percent of building professionals, with nearly 35 percent reporting that they saved more than a month on a single project.  

2. It’s more environmentally friendly.

Creating modules in a factory environment cuts down construction site waste significantly because it is more controlled, more automated, and more flexible. Construction companies don’t have to worry about damage to materials from poor air quality or weather. They can even refurbish modules that are damaged or no longer in use. The same research by McGraw Hill shows that 77 percent of contractors reduced waste by switching to modular construction.

3. It’s safer for workers.

Indoor construction environments are typically less hazardous than their traditional, outdoor counterparts—and that’s good news for construction workers. In a factory environment, workspaces can be designed ergonomically to reduce regular wear and tear on the body. The controlled environment means better air quality, access to tools, lighting, and more.

4. It’s cost-effective.

One of the biggest perks of modular construction is cost-effectiveness. With less waste, a more efficient building process, and greater reliance on automation, modular builders save money on materials and labor. And the factory environment reduces the risk of theft and vandalism on project sites, saving even more money and time. McGraw Hill reports that 41 percent of builders lowered their costs by as much as 6 percent by shifting to a modular model.

Addressing modular construction challenges

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How to Bundle Home and Auto Insurance

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U.S. News 360 Reviews takes an unbiased approach to our recommendations. When you use our links to buy products, we may earn a commission but that in no way affects our editorial independence.

By Jim Travers | July 12, 2021, at 12:00 p.m. | US News.com | Bundle Home and Auto Insurance

Insurance bundling simply means buying your home insurance and auto or other coverage from the same company. Bundling insurance policies can have some advantages; most notably, potential savings on your overall insurance costs. It can also simplify your bill paying and record keeping. But bundling doesn’t guarantee savings, and it may not be the right choice for you. We’ll explain why below, along with how bundling works, the advantages and disadvantages, and the potential pitfalls.

What Is Insurance Bundling?

Purchasing more than one insurance policy from the same company is a common practice known as bundling. It can sometimes save customers money compared to buying homeowners and auto or other insurance policies through different companies. More formally known as a multipolicy discount or multiple line discount, insurance companies encourage bundling as a means of saving money on your overall bill. Most insurers advertise savings of between 10% and 25% when bundling two or more policies, compared to what they would charge for each policy individually.

Insurance companies like bundling as a way to generate additional revenue from the same customer. Research has also indicated that customers who bundle policies tend to stay with the same company longer.

If you’re buying your first home, bundling is especially worth considering. It’s also an excellent time to review all your insurance needs and get competitive quotes from several companies, especially if you haven’t reviewed your auto policy or other coverage in a year or more. As your situation changes over time, it’s important to make sure your insurance keeps up.

A good place to start is by seeing if you can get a better rate with your existing insurance company by adding a homeowners policy – just make sure you get competitive quotes from other providers first. You might end up switching to another company with lower overall rates, or you may be able to use a lower quote as a negotiating tool with your current insurance company.

While you’re getting quotes, think about all your insurance needs and consider any changes or updates you want to make to all your policies. The more types of insurance you bundle, the more money you may be able to save. It’s possible that not all insurers will offer all the coverage you need, so focus your search on companies that do.

Bundling insurance has other advantages, like allowing you to track and update your policies through one company website or app. It can also simplify paying your bills.

Finding a company that will give you the best discount will probably require some research, and rates will vary depending on the types of coverage you need, your location, your credit status, your claim history, and other factors. It’s worth doing your own research online, because everyone’s situation is different. Just because a friend or relative gets a good rate with one company doesn’t mean that you will.

Does Bundling Insurance Save Money?

There’s a good chance you will save money by bundling your home insurance with another policy such as your automobile, boat, RV, or life insurance. Your specific savings will vary, depending on where you live, how many policies you bundle, your credit rating, your claim history, and other factors.

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Set sail with peace of mind

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Safeco® Captain’s Package Coverage: Set sail with peace of mind

Four reasons you can set sail with peace of mind when you enroll in the Safeco Captain’s Package. One New Boat Price Protection: in the event of a total loss, replaces boats/watercrafts less than two years old with a new boat/watercraft. Two Roadside Assistance: covers the boat/watercraft, trailer, and the car or truck you tow it with. Three Personal Effects Protection: increased protection limits to your base coverage. Four Emergency Assistance: Increases this coverage to $1,000. Connect with your Safeco independent agent today to find out more: http://spr.ly/6051yTUv3 Disclaimer: Subject to policy terms, conditions, and limitations. Discounts and savings available where state laws and regulations allow and may vary by state. State insurance requirements apply. Insurance offered by Safeco Insurance Company of America and affiliates, Boston, MA.

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Money-Saving Pool Maintenance Tips

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10 Money-Saving Pool Maintenance Tips & Tricks

A pool is a huge investment, and it’s worth every penny when you jump into the crystal-clear water on a scorching summer day. Maintaining your investment takes daily effort during pool season, but it doesn’t have to be a huge time commitment. Make pool maintenance as easy and cost efficient as possible with these easy tips.

1. Add Chlorine After Dark

The sun’s heat can weaken the efficiency of chemicals you add to the pool, which means you go through chemicals more quickly. When you need to shock the pool with chlorine, wait until evening to do it. The chlorine will have all night to kill unwanted organisms, and the water is clear by morning.

2. Set Alarms to Test Pool Water

Regularly testing your water is a critical part of pool maintenance. It’s better to make small adjustments now than to let a problem grow to the point that you need to bring in professional help to restore the right chemical balance. Set an alarm on your phone for twice a week so you never forget this task. Test after heavy rainstorms too.

3. Clean Tiles With Vinegar

Vinegar may help remove calcium deposits that cling to your pool tile above the water line. Pour a little white vinegar onto a soft cloth and try buffing a section of tile with it. Follow with a second cloth dampened with water.

4. Treat Metal Stains With Vitamin Tablets

Sometimes, brownish or greenish metal stains appear on the walls or floor of a pool. They often happen because something metal, like a hair pin, has been dropped into the pool. Some pool owners say that rubbing a vitamin C tablet or powder over the affected area lightens or removes metal stains thanks to the ascorbic acid in vitamin C

5. Throw in Tennis Balls

It’s best not to think too long about all the oils that accumulate on the surface of your pool water from the people who swim in it. Instead, toss a few tennis balls in the water when it’s not in use. As they bob around, they should soak up any oils they encounter. (Just make sure there are no little kids or pets around who will want to dive in to collect those balls!)

6. Discourage Bugs With Dryer Sheets

Nothing ruins a perfect pool day like a buzzing bee that refuses to leave. Scented dryer sheets discourage insect activity, so try tucking them into the landscaping around your pool. If you don’t have bushes and potted plants around to hold dryer sheets, try attaching them to garden stakes and plunging the stakes into the grass or dirt around the pool.

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Why do dogs eat grass?

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Why do dogs eat grass? 6 reasons your pooch is munching on your lawn, from anxiety to worms

  • Your dog might be eating grass because it provides a source of fiber in their diet. 
  • Dogs may also eat grass when their stomach is upset since it can make them throw up.
  • Grass-eating is a habit that dogs may have inherited from wolves, so some pups just like the taste. 

Nearly 80% of dogs who have access to grass will occasionally eat it. 

Researchers still don’t know exactly why dogs eat grass, but there are many theories, like getting rid of worms or calming their anxiety. 

Note: Most of the time, grass-eating isn’t a problem, but if your dog starts overeating grass and vomiting, you should see your vet.

Here are six reasons your dogs eat grass and when you should be concerned about it.

1. They need more fiber in their diet

There’s no single answer to why dogs eat grass, but some experts believe that dogs may be craving a nutritional component like fiber.

Grass may be “providing trace elements or vitamins that are missing in your dog’s diet,” says Jeannine Berger, DVM, Senior Vice President of Rescue and Welfare at San Francisco SPCA.

There are no studies proving that dogs with low-fiber diets eat more grass. However, there is some anecdotal evidence that dogs stop eating grass when their owners feed them a high-fiber diet, says Nicholas Dodman, BVMS, DACVB, president of the Center for Canine Behavior Studies.RELATED5 ways to fix your dog’s constipation

If your dog isn’t getting enough fiber, they may show symptoms like:

  • Diarrhea
  • Constipation
  • Blocked anal glands, which can cause your dog to scratch their backside on carpets or leak a foul odor
  • Obesity

If you see these signs along with grass-eating, talk to your vet about whether you should adjust your dog’s diet.

2. Their stomach is upset

The fiber in grass may help food move more easily through your dog’s gut. Because of this, “grass might also help if your dog is dealing with underlying gastrointestinal disease, like inflammatory bowel disease,” Berger says.

Perhaps due to instinct, some dogs have learned that eating grass may also soothe their acid reflux, Dodman says. And this makes sense, since grass contains pectin, a type of fiber that can help treat acid reflux in humans.

“If dogs have a bad feeling in their stomach, they may eat grass to make themselves throw up and feel better,” Dodman says. However, vomiting might not be the main reason dogs eat grass — a small 2008 study found that only 22% of dogs who ate grass tended to vomit afterward.

If your dog is regularly eating grass to the point of vomiting, Berger says to call your vet, as this can be a sign of underlying disease like intestinal issues, cancer, or liver disease.

Besides eating grass, other signs that your dog has an upset stomach include:

  • Vomiting or diarrhea
  • Licking their lips or licking the air
  • Gulping
  • Loss of appetite

If your dog has an upset stomach, you can also try feeding them mild foods like boneless, skinless chicken and rice. If it doesn’t get better after a couple days, call your vet.

3. They’re anxious

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Join the Celebration: Shield Insurance Agency Recognized for Business Excellence!

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Shield Insurance Agency | Shield Blog | About Us | Start A Quote Today! | Business Excellence Award

We are pleased to announce that Shield Insurance Agency has been nominated for the prestigious Business Excellence Award. This recognition is a testament to our commitment to providing exceptional insurance services and our dedication to our clients.

The Business Excellence Award is given to companies that have demonstrated outstanding performance, innovation, and leadership in their respective industries. It recognizes organizations that have achieved significant growth, maintained high ethical standards, and made a positive impact on their communities.

We are honored to be considered for this award and would like to express our gratitude to our clients for their continued support and trust in our services. This nomination serves as motivation for us to continue delivering the highest level of service and to constantly improve our offerings.

We would also like to extend our appreciation to our dedicated team members who have worked tirelessly to ensure the success of our agency. Their hard work, expertise, and commitment to excellence have been instrumental in our nomination for this prestigious award.

Winners of the Business Excellence Award will be announced at a ceremony later this year. We are excited about the opportunity to be recognized among other outstanding businesses and look forward to the results.

Once again, we would like to thank everyone who has contributed to our success and helped us achieve this nomination. We remain committed to providing exceptional insurance services and being a trusted partner for all our clients’ insurance needs.

Thank you for your continued support.

Big News from the Hudsonville Chamber of Commerce!

It’s Awards Season!


The Chamber is SO excited to be hosting the Chamber Awards once again this year!

Here are our nominees for the 2021 Awards!
::::: drumroll :::::

Business Excellence Award

  • Hudsonville Physical Therapy
  • Advent Physical Therapy
  • Shield Insurance Agency

Leadership Award

  • Dr. Therese House-Vereeke
  • Patrick Waterman
  • Mary Jane Schreur

Spark Award

  • Hand 2 Hand Ministries
  • Meijer
  • Joy 99

The winners of the Awards will be announced at our official Awards Ceremony MEAL. June 17th at noon at the Pinnacle Center.

Make sure to get registered, we hope to see you there!

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