Consumers Report: News from the 2010 International Builders Show

Here is a terrific invention for taking additional security measures while remodeling. Consumer Reports the following: "Schlage has unveiled an improved rekeying process for its SecureKey door locks, which is designed to let you safely grant temporary access to guests or contractors without having to change the lock afterward." For the full article, please click on the link below the video.

Schlage Secure Key

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Follow Fridays

Sometimes I just nod my head in agreement when reading a fellow Designer's blog post. So with no further ado, I divert your attention from my blog to go read what Kelly is talking about in her blog Kitchen Sync. 

Managing Stealth Costs

Very well said Kelly! Thank you so much for pointing out the obvious to us but not so obvious to first time remodel types.

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A Renovation Check List

Getting ready to remodel? I will point my readers in the direction of a "MUST READ" article posted by my friend Paul Anater of Kitchen and Residential Design about renovation expectations. I too have received the phone calls from clients who are in a state of panic over the tile going up, the color of the cabinets, the floor, the paint and so forth. Paul has made sane points, so with no further ado, I point you to Ready To Renovate? Take A Moment And Breathe First.

I highly recommend you print out these "10 Points of Reason " when you feel like you are going to loose your mind. Print it, post it where you can see it, your bathroom mirror, outside the plastic wall of your remodel zone, your check book.

Remind yourself that long after the remodel is over with, the dust and muss is gone, what remains is a beautiful space. And above all else, remind yourself to breathe! Thanks Paul!

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Asking for a discount:: How not to do it.

Kelly at KitchenSync posted this first, and she found it at another site. Spreading fast through the internet; I had to revisit this You Tube Video again for grins. Haven't we all been there with clients? There are better ways to negotiate price. This video is a prime example of what not to do.

There are ways to save money so be up front about it. Your service provider will appreciate your honesty if you are up front about your budget and be able to look for ways to save you money. Looking for angles to get a discount after the fact is just bad behavior.

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