Home Builder Developer - Interior Renovation and Design

A Christmas Day fire destroyed a mobile home in the town of Albion last week.

Firefighters were paged to a report of smoke coming from the structure about 6 p.m. on Dec. 25 and fought the fire for more than three hours, but the home appears to be a total loss, according to the Black River Falls Fire Department.

Smoke was visible when the department arrived to W11404 Spring Creek Rd. and firefighters later discovered the fire running in the walls and under the floor while conducting an interior attack.

No one was home at the time of the fire and no civilians were injured, but one firefighter was transported to a local hospital for a finger laceration, according to the department.

The cause of the fire isnt currently known, but an electric hot water heater and wiring could be the source. The owners, Benjamin and Deni Martin, reported having trouble with the hot water heater and working on it earlier in the day, according to the department.

A damage estimate isnt available, and the structure and contents were uninsured.

The department was on scene for three and a quarter hours with 12 firefighters who used 4,700 gallons of water to extinguish the blaze.

The American Red Cross is assisting the family.

The Black River Falls Fire Department is wrapping up its first-ever Keep the Wreath Green fire prevention campaign. The Christmas Day fire will represent the third red bulb lit on the stations outdoor wreath to represent every area structure fire that occurred between Thanksgiving and New Years Day.

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Christmas Day fire destroys mobile home

Even a one-time boost in income, from the sale of a home, for example, can raise your Medicare premiums. Photo by Flickr user kenteegardin/www.seniorliving.org.

Editors Note: Journalist Philip Moeller, who writes widely on health and retirement, is here to provide the Medicare answers you need in Ask Phil, the Medicare Maven. Send your questions to Phil.

Medicare rules and private insurance plans can affect people differently depending on where they live. To make sure the answers here are as accurate as possible, Phil is working with the State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP). It is funded by the government but is otherwise independent and trains volunteers to provide consumer Medicare counseling in state and local offices around the country.

Moeller is a research fellow at the Center on Aging & Work at Boston College and co-author of How to Live to 100. Follow him on Twitter @PhilMoeller or e-mail him at medicarephil@gmail.com.

Ralph Tenn.: If you sell your home to move to another state to retire, does that raise the cost of your Medicare Part B for that year, and how is that fair? Why do the proceeds from your house, a one-time event, put you into a high-income category?

Phil Moeller: Descend with me deep into the weeds, or, for the anatomically inclined, bowels of Medicare and Social Security bureaucracy. Ralphs question involves what is called the Income Related Monthly Adjusted Amount. Thats IRMAA for short, although there is nothing particularly short about it.

In brief, Medicares rates for Part B (doctor and outpatient) and Part D (drug) coverages are higher for those with higher incomes. IRMAA involves Part B but Ralphs official income levels should also affect his Part D premiums, according to the SHIP counselors who provide me advice for these answers.

Social Security, which does a lot of work affecting Medicare beneficiaries (you may shudder now), looks at a persons federal tax returns to see if their income has changed and is high enough to cause a boost in their Part B and Part D premiums. There is normally a two-year lag, so the agency will look at a 2013 tax return in evaluating 2015 premiums.

Im on Ralphs side here in that one-time gains like this do distort Ralphs true income situation. Of course, IRMAA should only jack up his Medicare premiums for a single year. But still, unfair is unfair.

Ralph apparently is concerned that the sale of his home will produce a big surge in his taxable income. This is a bit surprising, in that tax laws permit a hefty tax exclusion when someone sells their last home and does not roll over the proceeds into a new home. But lets assume Ralph has done his homework here and, for whatever reason, has or will report a big rise in his taxable income tied to the sale of his home.

Excerpt from:
How can selling your home raise your Medicare premiums?

Highlighting smart home innovations and market trends, SiliconANGLEs Smart Living series has followed this sector closely in 2014. As the year comes to a close, we recap the top developmentsrelated to smart home automation devices, connected cars and other Internet of Things (IoT) devices that make daily livinga heck of a lot more convenient.

The Indus Entrepreneurs (TiE), a nonprofit trade group dedicated to fostering entrepreneurship and sponsor of the annual conference TiECON, announced earlier this year that home automation is on its list of top 5 most influential IoT technologies for this year.

Others on the list included smartwatches, health and fitness tracking, connected retail, and virtual and augmented reality.

Read the full story here.

Smart home platform provider Insteon launchedits official Windows 8.1 and Windows Phone app this year with exclusive features, such as Visitor Mode for allowing guests entrance to a home without giving out spare keys. The release of the app was also combined with the availability of Insteon kits in Microsoft Stores at a starting price $199.

In September, Insteon announcedplans to add new features to its Windows app, including support for Cortana, Microsofts voice assistant that allows users to control their smart homes through spoken commands. The update will also include support for multiple cameras, multi-house control and monitoring, and a new dashboard for easier access to controls.

Read the full story here.

Read the rest here:
Smart Living 2014: A Year in Review

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A few weeks ago, we predicted Nests next product would be a smart outlet. The Google-owned smart-device maker prides itself on updating unloved home products, such as thermostats and smoke detectors. However, if ADT has any say in the matter, theyll likely want Nest to roll out some smart alarms.

The home security company is eager to partner with Nest, according to Forbes. ADT CEO Naren Gursahaney tells Forbes, Were working feverishly to develop the partnership. While ADT already has a system, Pulse, that users can control remotely, lots of competitors are trying to get into the smart home security market via Kickstarter, Indiegogo, and the like. From video doorbellsto hubsto tiny sensors, it seems like lots of products offer home protection as a bonus, instead of the main focus. And all of them come without the monthly fee of a system like ADT. If Nest does want to go the security route, it would be time-consuming and costly to set up call centers that can contact police and fire departments. It would be much easier to piggyback on ADTs already established ones.

Related:Thermostats were just the start! 5 smart-home trends we expect to see in 2015

About seven million customers pay ADTs monthly fee, which has to be attractive to Nest. After all, a recent surveyfound that many consumers had no idea products like smart thermostats and smoke alarms even exist. The exposure to that customer base could raise Nests profile. However, the company is staying mum for now. We dont have anything to share on the topic at this time, Nest spokeswoman Zoz Cuccias told Forbes.

Ironically, a partnership with Nest might raise security concerns for ADT. Wi-Fi-enabled devices could be vulnerable to hacks, which is the last thing anyone wants from an alarm system. Still, for those who want smart home devices, connected alarmsare among the most coveted items.

With Nest being cagey about the potential partnership, its not clear when, if ever, we could see it ruling the smart home security roost.

The rest is here:
Is Nest planning to get into the home security business?

With two suspects in custody thanks to a home-security system, authorities still need the public's help to identify a third suspect in a home invasion that turned brutal a week before Christmas.

On Tuesday, the Black Hills Fugitive Task Force served arrest warrants on Robert Arpan III, 30, and Cody Hopkins, 30, both of Rapid City. The men were arrested without incident at their homes, according to Capt. Marty Graves of the Pennington County Sheriff's Office.

Rapid City Police said the home-invasion victim's home-security system captured photos of Arpan, Hopkins and a third suspect when they forced their way into a home on East Watertown Street Dec. 17.

The men severely beat the 72-year-old homeowner before taking several items from the home. The victim was taken to Rapid City Regional Hospital with serious injuries. Police on Tuesday did not provide an update on the victim's condition.

One day after police posted photos, a tip helped officers identify one of the men.

Warrants accusing Arpan and Hopkins of first-degree burglary were issued on Monday and served Tuesday, according to Rapid City Police spokesman Brendyn Medina.

Arpan and Hopkins were both being held without bond in the Pennington County Jail on three counts each of first-degree burglary. Hopkins also has two outstanding misdemeanor warrants from Meade County for failing to comply with conditions of his release on other charges.

Members of the Black Hills Fugitive Task Force who made the arrest were officers with the Pennington County Sheriff's Office and the U.S. Marshal's Service.

Anyone with information that could assist with the investigation is asked to call police Det. Steve Neavill at 394-4134 or send an anonymous tip by texting RCPD and the info to 847411.

Contact Andrea J. Cook at 394-8423 or andrea.cook@rapidcityjournal.com

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Two suspects in brutal home invasion arrested

Ashburn, Virginia (PRWEB) December 30, 2014

A Heating and air conditioning repair Ashburn, Va video released by LocalHVACPros.info, they have walked through the services being offered by Heating and Air Conditioning Repair Ashburn VA and they have proven to be very promising for residents living in Ashburn, Va and areas nearby.

If a heating and cooling system is acting differently, chances are it might be in trouble. The most important thing to do here is not to wait for trouble to come before seeking out the help of HVAC experts. LocalHVACPros.info is one of the pioneers in the HVAC industry and they will make sure that the problem is ruled out immediately to offer a fast solution. As HVAC experts in Ashburn, VA their team will see to it that ones home or office is safe from any trouble that might be caused by broken AC and down heating systems. Dont wait until its too late.

Another common case is for those that might have an emergency at their home. For this one, theres no need to worry either because the heating and air conditioning repair Ashburn, VA services provided dont just run on a single day but instead its a 24 hour continuous service which one may easily reach in Ashburn, VA.

Have heat pumps fixed and re-installed by Ashburn, VAs heating repair top team of experts. They are licensed and certified technicians. Being well trained and knowledgeable about the different types and models of HVAC systems, they can easily fix HVAC troubles and even prevent it from happening.

One call is all they need from their customers and they dont have to suffer from the effects of winter or summer because of their broken air cooling and heating systems. They have the right men, the tools and the right knowledge for the job. Nobody wants to waste money on other companies who might offer lower prices but compromises their quality of work.

One in need of such a service can call and allow them to prove their worth. They are licensed HVAC experts in Ashburn, VA. They are also certified, bonded and insured. They also offer certain services like air conditioning repair, replacement, boiler repair, commercial air conditioning services and HVAC services, furnace repair, and more. They are offering warranties as well. They can also talk about finance methods and free estimates. Of course, they have 24/7 emergency features and more.

Contact them at 703-662-5950 for inquiries and scheduling of appointments. http://youtu.be/rRAEL0IGrvE

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Heating and Air Conditioning Repair Ashburn VA: New Video Release by LocalHVACPros.info

Orange County, California (PRWEB) December 31, 2014

Greenstar Home Services, a local plumbing, cooling, heating and water filtration company serving Las Vegas, Nevada and Orange County, California offers Green Club membership status to area homeowners. Members reap the benefits of selective service and green home choices. Homeowners seeking best value services combined with eco-friendly product alternatives for their homes have found their way to Greenstars Green Club program.

As 2014 comes to an end, Greenstar reflects on the large increase of Green Club members that have joined over the year. The organization is looking forward to continued growth in 2015.

We offer the homeowner a great deal and deliver a comprehensive maintenance program directly to their home on a routine schedule to help extend the life of their home comfort systems, states Jeremy Prevost, Greenstar Home Services CEO.

Some of the benefits Green Club members look forward to include: -reduced rates for products and services -VIP scheduling status -complimentary service calls

Complimentary service calls are offered for all in-home inquires on eco-friendly or green initiatives geared for residential home improvement and energy conservation.

In addition, Green Club members receive 10% off all repairs and installations, and twice yearly scheduled maintenance inspections on heating/cooling and plumbing systems.

In an effort to deliver technology and other solutions to optimize clean, healthy water, Greenstar Home Services offers a complimentary whole-home water analysis to ensure its members are drinking and bathing in clean, safe and healthy water.

Ranked #1 by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency in Most Energy-Efficient Buildings, we see Los Angeles and the surrounding area as an ideal market as local residents seek out environmentally responsible choices within the infrastructures where they live, work and play. Greenstar offers them affordable green and eco-friendly options for energy efficiency, comfort and health, notes Prevost.

In the average home, heating and cooling account for more than half the energy consumption, making it the largest energy expense for most families. Making smart decisions regarding home energy usage makes financial sense. Greenstars Green Club program aims to focus on proper maintenance, which can lower energy usage, curb utility bills, decrease the chance of breakdowns and improve the life of the mechanical systems within the home.

Originally posted here:
Green Club Member Enrollments Explode in 2014 at Greenstar Home Services

Phoenix, AZ (PRWEB) December 31, 2014

Parker & Sons, Inc. an innovative and customer service focused contractor in Phoenix Arizona reports record demand in 2014 for water heater installation and repair services throughout Arizona. Considered one of the largest energy users in the home, a water heater must operate properly to ensure that homeowners save money over the long term. Parker and Sons has been working with a wide range of manufacturers products when it comes to water heaters to help make certain that the residents and business owners of Arizona enjoy quality water heating that is reliable, dependable and affordable. From solar water heaters to tankless water heaters and storage water heaters, Parker and Sons covers every aspect of the water heating industry.

Homes have become increasingly energy-efficient over the last few decades and as such the amount of energy used to generate hot water has steadily increased on a percentage basis. Parker and Sons works closely with both business owners and residential homeowners to help customers select the most appropriate water heater for their particular needs. In most instances the primary objective is to select a water heater that reduces water-heating costs while increasing overall general levels of comfort. Some of the various considerations that are taken into account when choosing a water heater include purchasing the right size water heater for one's needs. For example, purchasing a water heater that is too large can end up costing homeowners money.

Parker and Sons looks at all aspects of the various water heaters that are available today and considers cost, efficiency and capacity as a way to help consumers and business owners make a more informed decision when buying this particular type of equipment. Parker and Sons has been providing air conditioning repair services in Phoenix and the surrounding community since 1974. The company is recognized nationally as being one of the most experienced and knowledgeable heating, cooling and plumbing contractors in the business. The company offers free air conditioning and heating diagnostics on installations and can assist customers at off-hours and in emergencies.

Parker and Sons enjoys impressive credibility and a very high trust rating. For example, the company works side-by-side with some of the best companies in Arizona. Companies that specialize in heating, cooling, plumbing, water treatment and a wide range of solar products and services. This is a proud tradition that Parker and Sons has enjoyed for many years. From accreditation with the Better Business Bureau to working with the Air Conditioning Contractors of America, Parker and Sons enjoys a respected reputation among peers, with critics and with existing and former customers. This recent announcement with regard to record demand in 2014 for water heater installation and repair services throughout Arizona is further confirmation that Parker and Sons is a company that is genuinely dedicated to the absolute best in quality customer service.

Parker & Sons, Inc. is an innovative and forward-looking Air Conditioning Repair & Plumbing Service in Phoenix Arizona. Having served the greater Phoenix Metropolitan area since 1974, Parker & Sons, Inc. has earned its reputation one customer at a time. Delivering quality for both residential and commercial customers, the company enjoys a long record of national recognition and has received numerous awards and accolades over the years. Parker & Sons, Inc. is known for its impressive attention to detail and old-fashioned quality work. The company has been voted #1 in Ranking Arizona for the last five years and maintains a goal of 100% customer satisfaction. Parker & Sons works on heating systems, cooling systems, ducting, air filtration and offers a variety of plumbing related services. Parker & Sons, Inc. is an established name in reliable service calls throughout Phoenix Arizona.

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Parker & Sons Reports Record Demand In 2014 For Water Heater Installation And Repair Services Throughout Arizona