Month: January 2014 - page 2

Making The Most Of Your Bathroom Renovations

Posted on by Creative Programs and Systems - Updated

When it comes to redoing your home one of the best rooms to renovate is the bathroom.  Before you jump into the latest in trendy bathroom tiles and fancy bathtubs there are some basics to cover that will allow your renovation to be the vision you imagined.  Any home modification can take on a life of its own however if you follow the checklist below you will stay on track and things will run smoothly.

The first thing to consider is coming up with a realistic budget.  Get quotes from different contractors and go to different home improvement stores to check out prices on the pieces that you are leaning towards.  If you want marble but can only afford lament then you might consider waiting on the remodel or allotting your funds differently.  You will want to take diligence when looking at the prices on tile, fixtures, countertops, mirrors, tubs and bathtubs.  These items can all add up really quickly so you want to keep a close eye on your budget.

The bathroom is a small room but don’t think that this means that the renovation will only take a few days.  Renovations can run into issues along the way, especially bathrooms.  Bathrooms are an area that things can pop up such as the wrong backer board was used originally and created a mold issue.  The floor is an area of concern as well when it comes to a bathroom. You will want to make sure the base is sturdy and free of imperfections.  Hidden problems will occur so make sure to budget for the extras.

When it comes to the bath area, the design and functionality is the most important factor for us as homeowners.   The bathroom should flow in design and function.  Function comes in the layout of the bathroom.  This is something that should be gone over with the contractor and the room designer.  They should know how you will use the space so that it provides function and flow for you and your family.  When it comes to choosing colors for paint, tile, the vanity and such this is mostly personal preference.   Neutral works best if you are planning to put the house up for sale as it is most pleasing to everyone.

I am all for it when it comes to most do-it-yourself projects however when it comes to bathroom renovations it is best to hire a contractor.  The job comes with complexities such as electrical, plumbing and tile work.  All of these are not easy tasks to master and the advantages of hiring a bathroom contractor can alleviate a lot of headaches.

Speaking of electrical, consider adding lighting to the bathroom space. If this was not something that you originally thought of consider it now.  Bathroom lighting is so important and can really add a lot of interest to a small space.   Without proper lighting especially in homes of aging people the bathroom can be dangerous.  Add natural lighting first if there isn’t any and from there add bright lighting, recessed lighting adds to the brightness without requiring anything but ceiling space.  If you have a small bathroom recessed lighting can help you open up the space.

One more thing to think about when remodeling the bathroom is your needs as you age.  If you are redoing a bathroom space it is the perfect time to add in some basic age in place modifications that will help you in the future as you age.  Basics can include levered faucets and pull knobs along with in place grab bars in the shower area.  A taller toilet can be installed to ease getting up and can easily go unnoticed unlike the over the toilet chairs that are often used.  Aging is something that will happen to all of us, preparing for it is not a bad thing and during the renovation process is the perfect time for this.

 

Glen Miller The Home Doctor

Choose a Freight Broker To Help Your Small Business With Logistics

Posted on by Creative Programs and Systems - Updated

When it comes to business, especially those based on services it is arguable that the most important piece of the puzzle is customer service.  This is especially true when it comes to small business owners choosing a freight broker.  Many of you are about to disagree and point out that cost is the most important factors however I disagree.  I do believe that as the relationship with the broker is continued cost savings in inevitable.  To find a freight broker, especially one that specializes in less than truckload shipping you will find these tips useful.

Look for a provider to assist you with your business logistic needs that is affiliated in the industry.  There are many associations to choose from as a part of the freight brokerage industry. It is important that before you do business you check with their affiliates to check for any unfavorable information regarding the company.  It is important that as a logistics provider that the company is always accountable to the highest, best practice standards for the industry.

Find a provider that has been in business for a bit of time.  A broker that has been in business for four to five years will have connections that a new broker just will not have in the industry yet.  Connections will lead to better prices for all parties involved, which will affect your bottom end.  Carriers will provide shippers with better rates based on the relationship they hold with them.  This is natural in many business dealings.

Look for a freight provider that is insured, licensed and bonded.    Insurance adds a second layer of protection if something does happen to your shipment and the actual carrier and their insurance company refuse to pay for the damages. Look for a carrier with both error & omissions insurance as well as contingent cargo& liability insurance.  A broker is legally not able to operate without a federal property broker license which is offered through the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration as well as bonded for at least ten thousand dollars.  This is important item to look for.

A good freight broker will deal with several different shippers/carriers.  They will keep track of all of the minuet details about each of the carriers so that you don’t have to worry about any of it.  It is their job to make sure your products and packages are where they need to be when they need to be on reliable carriers.  Look into your broker’s relationship with carriers and how they manage the carriers they use.

Whomever you choose to help you in the logistic maze needs to be strong in day to day happenings.  If lanes are changing or a more efficient one is developed that could benefit you it is their job to have this information. A broker that sits and waits for these changes to be announced are behind.  You need to find a broker that has the relationships that will allow them to know before it happens.

Being proactive in you supply chain needs is the only way a broker will be sure that he is getting his clients the biggest bang for their buck.  This is a full time job for larger companies.  Small businesses don’t have the financial luxury to employ a logistics manager so the next best thing is to find a broker on the fast track of shipping.

Detroit LTL

Don’t Be Left Out In The Dark When It Comes To Computer Repair

Posted on by Creative Programs and Systems - Updated

Bringing in the year 2014 has left me thinking about a lot of things.  Technology being one major topic that I think about a lot especially with two kids and the iPhone and iPod craze that exists.  Going one day without technology is a difficult task in our family.  I know this will make many people shake their heads in disbelief.  There are some people that would be fine to go back to an age where telephones were connected to the wall with a cord and an encyclopedia was still the main research source.

I personally cannot imagine a day without access to my computer world.  I rely on the computer to communicate effectively in my personal life as well as my work life.  Communication is simplified with the use of a computer. Mundane tasks are made easier and life just runs smoother using a computer.  This is why when I went to turn my computer on and it hesitated, hissed and went black I was devastated.  I knew I needed to get the computer fixed as soon as possible.  This began the quest in to finding a technician to fix my computer without too much hassle.

My first step to finding someone reliable to fix my computer was to call upon my tech savvy friends.  I wanted to see who they would trust to fix their laptop or towers.  All of them commented not to take it to a large chain for repair as the computer would not get the attention it needed.  I was told that many times it is a process that leaves you without a computer for weeks while they ship it about fixing it and yet it comes back to you and is never the same.

The problem is that the person you speak with is not the person fixing your computer.  This was an issue.  If I was leaving my baby overnight I wanted to make sure she was in good hands and attended to. That left me in search of a local computer store to repair my computer.  It was important that I was able to speak with the technician working on machine to explain how I needed the computer to function in the end.  I feel it best to lay the expectation out first, if the expectation is not possible with this machine then they would be able to tell me it was not worth the cost to repair it and move on.  This was important as sinking money into a machine was not something I was going to be able to do a lot of.

I found a local computer service company searching Google on my phone.  I was able to go into the office with my computer and speak the tech about the issues.  It was great because right off the bat the problem sounded familiar to him.  For a small diagnostic fee I left my machine to be repaired.  That same day, later in the evening, I received a call that the glitch could be fixed for about a half hour of labor costs which was covered by my diagnostic fee and I just needed to give the approval.  My pc was repaired and home with me the next day.

When it comes to repairing and maintaining my computer in the future I know who to trust.  I would recommend that everyone take a few minutes to scope out a local computer service store, even before you have an issue with your machine. I know being without my computer is like being without my right arm. Establishing a relationship with local computer support can save you when it comes to time, money and sanity.

Creative Programs and Systems

Choosing The Perfect Business Insurance Package For Your Company

Posted on by Creative Programs and Systems - Updated

Insurance for your business is necessary to protect you from the risks involved on owning your own company. When it comes to insurance for your business there is a broad spectrum of policies to choose from including workers compensation policies, general business liability, property insurance, equipment insurance as well as auto insurance for business vehicles. This allows you to manage the risks within your business and to protect the time and money that you have put into growing your company. When purchasing business insurance you will find yourself protecting the risks within your business that are not within your control.

When considering insurance for your business it is pertinent to realize the importance of having an agent that knows exactly what your business needs are. Many agents sell insurance for business needs however all businesses require a custom insurance plan tailored to the specific needs of your business. When choosing an agent look into a local insurance agency that has that has insured companies within the same scope as yours. Using a local agent is also a good plan as they are close enough to evaluate your business in person.

Understanding the basics is important when it comes to insurance of all varieties including for your business. Purchasing the right policy will protect assets in case of loss due to theft or natural causes. Weather is often a contributing factor when it comes to unforeseen losses to one’s business assets including inventory as well as insurance covering the building.

A mistake new business owners often make is overlooking insurance and not putting the funds in the budget for the correct coverage. Skimping on insurance for your business will only leave you inadequate coverage. When your business doesn’t start out with the correct coverage for your needs it allows the need to go unmet. This is problematic for when disaster of any kind strikes you find out too late that being under-insured leaves you paying for the damages out of your own pockets.

The first area to concern yourself with when it comes to business insurance is to make sure that your coverage covers rebuilding your business property and to replace your inventory as well as business possessions. This includes furniture, store fixtures, equipment, machinery, inventory, personal property used in the business, labor, building improvements that have been made and any contractual obligations you may have within the business. Keeping a list of items included in this category on hand and up to date and checking in with your agent is the best way to ensure that your coverage needs are kept up to date.

Another thing to consider is coverage to make sure your business thrives even if something happens and you need to shut down for a bit of time. A combination of business income coverage, extra income coverage and contingent business interruption insurance is needed to cover the bases if a disaster occurs. Business insurance covers the unexpected. Make sure your business survives the unexpected by purchasing the right amount of coverage as well as the correct type of insurance for your business needs.

Cobb Hall