Author: admin

Shaping Quality Management Processes

admin  Management  

Whether you offer services or products to your customers, ensuring quality to your customers is vital to help to shape a better and more profitable business. You cannot, however, just expect quality and especially if you are running a busy and hectic company you need to have good quality management processes in place to ensure that quality is consistent throughout the organisation.

Before setting the processes involved in quality management, you need to decide what kind of level of service you are expecting in other words, to write a quality policy which sets out a baseline level for the quality you expect each member of staff in your organisation to give. With this policy, everybody knows where they stand and exactly what is required of them in their day to day work tasks.

Quality management isnt only about ensuring customers are happy, although youre likely to want to include a way in which you handle complaints and customer feedback in your management processes but it can also benefit the business in a number of different ways. It will help, for example, to track make records of invoices and receipts in a more efficient and effective way, ensure your staff members are correctly trained and working towards their personal development aims alongside good HR processes and an overall higher level of service or product.

Once youve identified your quality policy, and the areas you would like to cover, the next step is to outline the processes which you already have in place youll find that even if you dont think you have processes in place, there will be a few informal ones you already use. If youve noticed problem areas, or find places where you think there should be some improvement, this is the time to tweak the way in which you work to iron out any of these issues.

Check these processes against the quality policy youve written and identify any that will need processes adding to them to ensure your policy can be upheld before creating a process document. It is really important to remember that your quality management system should adapt and change as your company develops and as new issues arise youre unlikely to get it right first time, so dont be afraid to make changes until you get it right.

You shouldnt be afraid that your business is too small to have a quality management system in place. In fact, smaller companies have a big advantage over large companies when implementing systems of this nature, because having the processes in place early gives a good framework for development and growth.

Remember to include forward thinking processes in your organisation; ensure someone is keeping up to date with the latest changes in legislation and regulations to keep your business one step ahead of the wheel.

Although there is no reason why companies cannot simply use their own resources and people for the task of setting up a quality management policy, help can always be found if youre looking for an expert to give you a hand. Business consultants can help you really lay down good processes and there are standards that you can be accredited to so that you can prove that your quality management system really is of a high quality.

Construction Site Sediment Control… Simple Solutions To A Complex Challenge

admin  Construction  , , ,

Anyone dealing with construction site regulation compliance issues knows that it’s not an easy job. Federal, state and local laws impact many facets of construction work, and keeping up with what seem to be constant changes can be overwhelming.

Compliance with the laws is vital, though, no matter how new they are. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) takes its job of enforcing laws very seriously, as evidenced on a page of its website listing companies that have made violations and the millions of dollars in fines they’ve received.

Of special concern on new construction projects is erosion and sediment control. Storm water runoff from construction sites carries with it enormous amounts of sediment and debris that, if allowed to enter waterways that feed into rivers, streams, lakes and oceans, will damage ecosystems and kill wildlife.

The Clean Water Act (CWA) of 1972 now includes regulations mandating sediment and erosion control solutions for every construction site affecting one or more acres of land, and smaller ones associated with larger developments or sales. Before the ground on their sites is disturbed in any way, operators of these sites must submit erosion and sediment control plans detailing the erosion and sediment control solutions they will use to prevent erosion and control sediment runoff.

In addition to the erosion and sediment control plan, each construction site operator also must submit a storm water pollution prevention plan (SWPPP) and obtain a National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) construction storm water permit prior to beginning any project. An SWPPP identifies every pollution source that could enter storm water runoff from a given site, and a detailed account of the actions that will be taken to control and filter sediment, thus keeping it and the pollutants out of waterways.

Developing Your Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan: A Guide for Construction Sites, details the steps that must be taken to develop and execute an SWPPP. This free handbook from the EPA includes an SWPPP template that can be customized by each site operator, a sample inspection form and two sample SWPPPs. It’s applicable throughout the United States, in combination with state or EPA NPDES permits.

Though the NPDES is a federally regulated program, most states authorize their own NPDES permits. If work is being done in Alaska, Idaho, Massachusetts, New Hampshire or New Mexico, however, or on most tribal lands within the U.S., permits must be obtained from the EPA.

The Storm Water Resource Locator found on the Construction Industry Compliance Assistance Center’s website is a valuable tool for construction site operators. Use it to find NPDES permit forms, SWPPP requirements, and regulations for erosion and sediment control and storm water management for each state.

Of course, following the laws regarding erosion and sediment control is even more important than understanding them, and the easiest way to ensure complete compliance is to rely on products and expertise provided by a company that has made meeting regulatory requirements its business.

Erosion and sediment control professionals are available to help developers overcome even their most difficult site challenges, with know-how and products for every need. One call to a sediment control expert can save a company countless hours of research into the law and sediment control methods, not to mention thousands – if not millions – of dollars in fines if regulations are not met precisely.

Once professional sediment control products are on a construction site, they continue to save contractors time and money. They’re made for quick installation, so they can be set up in minutes and then virtually forgotten about until runoff occurs.

Products are available that sit in front of curb inlets, within curb inlets, around and under storm grates, and more. All are made to allow storm water to pass into storm systems while filtering sediment and pollutants out.

After a rainfall or any type of watering has taken place, professional sediment control products can be inspected and cleaned out easily. Sediment and debris trapped within the products’ filters are removed quickly, so the products can be reused time and time again, making them hassle-free and extremely cost efficient.

Finding a reputable, reliable sediment control company should be on any developer’s “to do” list when planning a project. Utilizing the expertise of a company dedicated to sediment control saves construction professionals valuable time, countless dollars and unnecessary worry by helping ensure complete compliancy with complex laws from start to finish.

Important Investment Lessons for Young People

admin  Investment  

If you are an investor under the age of 40, you have one big advantage over everyone else: you have an incredibly long investment time horizon during which to grow your investment dollars. Here is how to take advantage of it.

If you are an investor under the age of 40, you have one big advantage over everyone else: you have an incredibly long investment time horizon during which to grow your investment dollars.

The power of compounding is one of the great wonders of investing. The benefit of an extra decade or two can make a huge difference to your ending wealth. To capture this benefit, you have to start investing early and intelligently, and with consistency and discipline. After all, it is only with regular, long-term success that financial goals are realized.

For most investors, staying focused over the long run is challenging. The temptation to speculate can be high, and there is plenty of noise and distraction vying for your attention, making it easy to get sidetracked. Some of the confusion is caused by Wall Street hoping to get your business by playing to your hopes or fears. Some of it is the financial press trying to get catch your attention to sell advertising. Other noise is generated by the very nature of financial markets themselves, and the vast amount of information all around us. Now, more than ever, it is difficult to keep disciplined and stay the course.

The bottom line: it is not the day-to-day fluctuations of markets that should concern you. The primary risk you face as a young investor is the constant threat of inflation eating away at the purchasing power of your assets. For example, at just 3% per year, inflation will reduce the purchasing power of a portfolio by one-third after 14 years, and one-half after only 23 years. Your most important task is to invest your assets to protect yourself from this erosion.

A successful, long-term investor knows the difference between comfortable portfolio and a safe one. A comfortable portfolio does not fluctuate much in value. It might be invested in stable things like bank CDs with an expected return not much more than the rate of inflation. Alternatively, a safe portfolio has expected returns well above inflation. It is invested predominately in stocks and highly diversified. This equity oriented portfolio fluctuates with market movements and can be uncomfortable especially during stock market declines but it provides for long-run inflation protection.

As a young investor, you may not have made a lot of investment mistakes. That can be good and bad good because you havent lost money; bad because you havent learned any lessons the hard way. As one of my colleagues likes to say: the market is a great teacher, but it charges a steep tuition. You can skip the tuition payment by learning how to invest prudently early on.

Remember that the stock market is not a zero-sum game. There are not winners and losers in these markets, with the winners taking all the spoils and the losers going broke. Capitalism generates positive returns overall, and, although some win more than others, everyone can succeed. The elegant truth of economics is that the return on capital is exactly equal to the cost of capital. In other words, in the aggregate, the return to investors is equal to the payment required of those entities such as governments and corporations seeking to attract investment capital.

Wealth is created when natural resources, labor, intellectual capital, and financial capital combine to produce economic growth. As an investor, you are entitled to a share of that economic growth when your financial assets are invested in and used by the global economy. This is not a free lunch. It is your fair share of profits as compensation for putting your money to work.

One of your main goals should be to capture as much of the global return on capital as you can. Cut your investment costs, make sure you have a widely diversified portfolio, and stay disciplined. Investing this way, you can have a successful investment experience!

Comprehensive Automotive Insurance Coverage Is Required By Your current Vehicle Insurance Policy

admin  Automotive  

Does one want to know what comprehensive automobile insurance is? Protection on your car from harm physically beyond the scope of accident protection is what the comprehensive option is. Comprehensive vehicle insurance addresses damage to your vehicle that might have happened following an act or event. This type of coverage isn’t the exact same as collision or liability.

Incidents which are not collision related are covered through this sort of insurance. This policy does not cover any items that might nicely have been within the auto at the time of the event. Regular use is likewise not covered by comprehensive insurance. Here is really a checklist of what complete insurance covers when choosing this policy – crime, fire, vandalism, riots, wind, floods, damage from pets, falling objects and breaking glass. Special guidelines apply regarding comprehensive auto insurance with regards to vandalism and crime.

Family members or employees aren’t covered by most policies if they’re responsible for the incident. You are able to pay added to extend coverage to damage caused by these parties although. This sort of coverage is normally limited. Reading concerning the policy and gaining help through a local insurance provider could answer any questions you may well have about what is covered. The cost for complete coverage varies upon private and financial factors. You will find several instances where the price might be elevated.

Ages of drivers on the policy is taken into consideration as too young of drivers and older drivers are often given greater premiums. The type of vehicle that you own is also factored into the level for the auto insurance policy. The area exactly where you live and the distances to and from work is regarded as as substantial and might nicely lead to a greater policy. You will find actions that you could take to keep your premiums affordable though. Should you increase the deductible extent then the price of your policy will be decrease. Growing the deductible extent is a threat in itself though as, unless you have sufficient cash set aside, you will need to wait and save up within the event that your vehicle is badly damaged, because the insurance business will not pay out until you give your share.

To reduce the cost of your insurance policy take into account the following. Think about the worth of your auto. These days, more and further working individuals are forced to create accomplish with aging cars held together with spit, duct tape and bailing wire. Should you have been driving your auto for ten years or much more and have had it insured using the exact same business during this time, you’ll definitely want to inspect your policy to create certain you’re not insuring it for more than it’s worth. Once your vehicles value is less than ten times the annual price of your policy, it’s time to jettison the collision and comprehensive coverage. Take a look at Kelly Blue Book to determine the value.

For peace of mind carry comprehensive coverage on your vehicle. You’ll know that pretty a lot whatever occurs to your automobile, you’ll be covered. Should you determine that comprehensive coverage will be the appropriate coverage for you then you’ll need to telephone some insurance providers to acquire some quotes. The sooner you do so the much better, as you by no means know when some thing unfortunate may happen.

Main Activities Of Investment Banking

admin  Sales  , , ,

Investment banking and corporate finance) is the traditional investment banks, which also involves helping clients to raise funds in capital markets and advising on mergers and acquisitions (mergers and acquisitions). This can be imposed on investors, the issuance of Security, in coordination with the bidders, or negotiating with the goal of integration. Last term of the Division on Investment banking and corporate finance, advisory group is often called the mergers and acquisitions. Create a book where the information is in the bank’s financial market to the meter and the potential customer, if the pitch is successful, the Bank arrange the deal for customers. Divided into general and the investment banking division (IBD) in the coverage of industry groups and product coverage. Industry coverage groups focus on a particular sector, such as health, industrial, technology, and maintaining relationships with the companies in this industry to achieve in the business for a bank. Groups of product coverage to focus on financial products, such as mergers and acquisitions, corporate finance, project finance and asset finance leasing, structured finance, and restructuring of equity and debts are high quality and work in cooperation with industry groups on the more complex needs, and specialized client.

Sales and Trade: On behalf of the Bank and its clients, the function of a large investment bank in the first place to sell products. Market makers and traders buy and sell financial products to the growing amount of money on each trade. Sales is a sales force in the investment bank, which is important to appeal to institutions and high net worth investors to trade ideas for the proposal (in the warning based on the buyer’s responsibility), and take orders. Contact sales offices and customer orders for the offices the right brand name, which can price and execute trades, or structure new products that fit a specific need. Restructuring activity is relatively recent derivatives also comes in play, with the staff a high degree of technical writing and arithmetic to create complex structured products which typically offer much greater margins of securities and cash infrastructure.
In 2010, and investment banks came under pressure due to the sale of complex derivatives to municipalities in Europe and the United States of America [2] strategic advice. Follows the external and internal clients on the strategies in different markets. Starting from derivatives to specific industries, companies and industries strategic place in a quantitative framework with full consideration of the macroeconomic scene. This strategy is often the way the company will operate in the market, and the direction it will take in terms of their flow, and sales staff to offer suggestions to customers as well as how structurers create new products. Banks also have to take risks through their own trade, conducted by a private group of traders who interact with customers and through the “main risk” risks undertaken by the dealer after you buy or sell the product to the customer and not hedge his total exposure. Banks seek to maximize the profitability of a certain amount of risk on the balance sheet of their own. The need for numerical ability in sales and trading has created jobs for physics, mathematics and engineering doctoral degrees and quantitative analysts.

* Search is the division which reviews companies and writes reports on their prospects, often with “buy” or “sell” ratings. While the research department may or may not generate income (on the basis of policies in different banks), and the resources that are used to assist in marketing and sales force in suggesting ideas to clients and investment banks by giving their customers. Research also works with external customers investment advice (such as institutional investors and high net worth individuals) in the hope that they are represented by these customers and sales marketing ideas of the Commercial Bank Run, and therefore revenue for the company. There is a potential conflict of interest between investment banking and analysis, and analysis was published that could affect the bank’s profits. Even in recent years has become the relationship between investment banking and research is very organized, a Chinese wall between public and private employment.

Free Stock Tips To Help You In Your Investment Plans

admin  Investment

Money is a wonderful thing, and making money is the essence of life itself. When makes ceases in his quest for newer horizons, he has ceased to live. The trade market sets the limits and redefines the parameters for the decisions which rule the daily life of the common man. Get your directions with the free stock tips. Are you going to be there, or wait on the sidelines, while other players get in and make their moves? It is not as puzzling as it sounds.

The experience of the trader is reflected in the success of his predictions in the market and the free stock tips which have made many people wealthy. You should also have the advice of the experienced person to get your free trial stock tips. This is influenced only by the limit of resources at ones disposal, the volumes involved in trading and the kind of market which hone is facing.

CAPITAL AIM Financial Solution is a group brimming with solutions to trading queries, with experts who are adept at accurate estimations of the market situation and have investor friendly solutions, be it small or big. You will get the best free trial stock tips if you are inexperienced and free stock tips if you have some footing already. This is why many people trust them, and rely on them for their investment plans.

Putting money where it is safe, keeping it safe and making sure the money produces more money is the primary concept of banking and trading. The intra-day movements are fairly predictable except when there is a sudden change due to a political decision or a fall in the share prices of one of the commodities due to a change in the policy of the company. To get the best free trial stock tips: www.capitalaim.com/FreeTrial.aspx is a very useful site. If you already have got some experience you should get your tips from free stock tips: www.capitalaim.com/Stock_Tips.aspx. The experienced trader will be expecting such kind of changes, though these are totally unexpected.

The finances follow a predictable and linear course almost everyone who has a sense of the market will become rich. Get your free stock tips from the team at CAPITAL AIM Financial Solution. The share trade market is one which is full of promise, but one should step in with the help of an expert, one who knows how and when to react. The correct steps to take and the right decisions to arrive at are all in a days work for him. CAPITAL AIM Financial Solution aim to take away the suspense out of the trading and make sure of the success of your investment.

Since the day to day trade will not be the same, one should have an idea of how and when to sell. It is also important to know what shares are going to appreciate, and how much you should invest in them. Just follow the free trial stock tips till you get it right. Many of the people who have made it big have followed some simple logical steps on the path to victory. Join with the leaders and start winning.

MLM Sponsoring Tips- How To Attract And Sponsor People into Your MLM Business

admin  Business  

How great would it be to be able to attract people into your MLM business, that wanted to succeed just as bad as you do. Well, according to the quote, “opposites attract”, something on one end of the magnetic pole attracts the opposite end.

Well this doesn’t apply to attracting the right people into your business. If you sponsored people who were opposite of you, you’ll be adding a bunch of lazy people who doesn’t want to grow a MLM business. So, what I’m going to do is show you how to attract and sponsor more people into your MLM business.

MLM Sponsoring Tips #1

Sponsoring more people into your MLM business shouldn’t be a pain, right? You shouldn’t have to twist someone’s arm, or call them over and over. Doing that will ruin relationships and make you look desperate. Which is why the first MLM sponsoring tip is leadership.

When demonstrating leadership the right way, people will follow you where ever you’ll take them. Which is why when you twist someone’s arm or pester them into joining your MLM business, you’re losing the battle of demonstrating leadership.

It’s extremely important that you’re confident and willing to lead. This creates a magnetic attraction. You’ll attract and sponsor more people as a leader, not as a begger.

MLM Sponsoring Tips #2

A commonly misguided myth for growing a business is to bring people into your MLM business based on the opportunity. It’s much better if you find people who really love your products or service. When you’re able to sponsor people based on your products, you’ll find yourself attracting dozens of people.

And what happens then is you’re able to retain your downline. Many times, we add a bunch of people into out downline. Later, we see that they’re not consuming the products and they say that they’re really not wanting to grow the business.

That’s what happens when you add people based solely on the opportunity. After a month of them not making any money, they’re gone. So, be sure you find people who really wants the product. When you do, you’ll have people attracted to you and your team.

MLM Sponsoring Tips #3

Another great sponsoring tip is to sort, not sell. What I mean is instead of trying to sell everyone your products, or trying to sell them on the opportunity, just sort through and find people who wants to buy your products and join you in your MLM business.

If they don’t want to consume the products or if they’re asking how much you’re making, just let them go. Don’t try selling them.

When you’re able to sort, you’ll notice that people you’re adding to your MLM business are just like you. You’ll be different in some ways, but overall, you’re all striding for basically the same goals. This will allow you to attract and sponsor dozens of people into your business who are just like you.

Use these MLM sponsoring tips to attract and grow your business. And by doing so, you’ll not only grow your business, but attract help you attract the right people.

This article can be freely published on a website as long as it is not modified in any way including the author bylines and active hyperlinks.

Gas Station Construction Planning Essentials

admin  Construction  

Gas station construction is amongst the most demanding constructional processes and requires the creation of well-designed and detailed plans. Gas stations have to be compatible with tight state/local regulations and ensure utmost convenience for their customers, besides being commercially viable. Many factors need to be determined in the conception of gas station construction and some of these include:

Location

Location or site selection is the most fundamental aspect of any gas station construction plan. The ideal property for gas or service stations should be such that they do not contravene any rules or policies regarding proximity to residential or educational facilities. There are many local administrations that prohibit the presence of fuelling stations near public spaces such as public libraries or institutions that have children and dependents.

Access

While developing a gas station construction plan, it is imperative to ensure that easy entrance and exit points are created for customers. This includes, planning the ideal number of curb cuts on the way to the fueling point and the dedicated frontage area along the streets.

* It is essential to create a certain margin from the adjacent properties since gas station construction, sometimes turns out to be a repeated process in the form of infrastructure updates and installation of new equipment.

* Congestion is often found at gas stations and creation of free access in the form of off-street parking facilities is a simple way to solve this issue.

Fuel-pumping Areas

A crucial factor governing the gas station construction process is the planned location of the fuel pump platforms. Their location often dictates the need of constructing canopies immediately or in the near future. Further, it has to be established whether the canopies have to be created in a movable or fixed format since, there might be plans for future development and widening of the fueling lanes.

Construction of Facility Walls

There are many state-based local administrations that have reservations against the creation of elevated service station walls and often scrutinize the distance of these walls from the street frontage. Example: At the time of conceptualizing gas station construction, it is crucial to decide the location of facilities like the automated car washing area. Often, local rules suggest that such noisy areas need to be separated from adjacent properties by masonry walls of a certain minimum height and thickness. Further:

* The location of the facility walls shouldn’t hinder the view along the ingress/egress areas of the service station since this directly hampers vehicular visibility and poses a threat to the safety of site.

* The material, texture and color of the walls should be compatible to provide maximum visibility during poor daylight or nighttime (in relation to the amount of artificial lighting).

Other Considerations For Gas Station Construction Planning

* The need for a solid or wired fenced wall to be erected along the site

* Requirement of exterior lighting and how it should be deflected away from nearby residential areas (if any)

* The need to place signs and provision of spaces for putting-up promotional displays

* The need to provide paved pathways along the driving, parking, service and storage areas

* Warehouse needs and the extent of stocking of inflammable products

* Dedicated spaces that are needed for parking rental trucks and trailers Creation of temporary canopies that might be needed for storage purposes.

Two Functional Essentials

Another aspect that has gained prominence in the last decade is creation of proper resources for water recycling and maintenance of air quality while planning a gas station construction.

* Water recycling systems refer to the disposal and re-use of water according to state or federal guidelines

* Air quality mechanisms refer to installation of equipments that control the amount of air entering/exiting through mechanical or natural vents and their ability to neutralize noxious air pollutants

Gas station construction is an exhaustive process and is best handled by professionals who are adept at handling structural planning and legal/procedural compatibility related issues.

An Introduction to Renewable Energy Sources

admin  Energy

Renewable energy is all around us.

The sun, wind, rivers, lakes, oceans, plant growth, or even the heat deep within the earth is renewable energy. Modern technology has started to harness these endless sources of power by converting these into electricity, transport fuels, and the heating of our homes and water. They have the potential to completely replace conventional fuels. There is overwhelming scientific evidence that the use of conventional fuels is the main cause of climate change. In spite of this justifying the cost of a new infrastructure is a source of heated debate. People are creatures of habit and will resist change even when it is in their best interests. Now is the time for action with the certainty that we are doing the right thing. Let any who would sow doubt be rebuked with the facts.

Using the power of moving water to generate electricity is renewable energy.

Hydroelectric dams are a form of renewable energy we are all familiar with. New technology is being developed to generate electricity from tidal and wave energy. This will create the potential of 12,380 miles of U.S coastline to selectively be put to use creating a new power supply. This is a reliable constant motion that can help solve our energy problems. It is renewable energy in pure form. The cycles of water here on planet earth were in motion long before man and will continue indefinitely.

The kinetic energy of air in motion or wind energy is also renewable energy in pure form.
It has been used for thousands of years in the form of sailboats and windmills. Now in modern times it is being used to generate electricity. Wind energy is directly affected by the topography of the land. The tops of smooth, rounded hills, open plains, shorelines, or mountain gaps that funnel the wind are the best spots for wind farms. Offshore is also excellent due to better wind speeds. Wind energy alone has the potential to supply total world demand 30 times over.

Geothermal heat within the earth is a massive renewable energy source.

It is 24 hour power and not intermittent like some other forms of renewable energy. The majority of the continental U.S. has 100 degrees Celsius under it. The western part of the country has large areas of 200 degrees Celsius apparently due to it sits on the Pacific Ring of Fire. Enhanced geothermal systems are a newer technology that could take advantage of this huge power source. Geothermal heat has the potential to supply total world demand 1.5 times over. As technology to extract it improves its potential will increase.

Radiant heat and light from the sun or solar energy is another massive renewable energy source.
It is the source of energy that creates four other forms of renewable energy. Wind is caused by atmospheric convection which is fueled by the sun. Ocean waves are caused by the wind. Rivers are formed by precipitation caused by water evaporating due to heat from the sun. All the green and growing things depend on the energy from the sun and are the biomass we use as fuel. Solar energy has the potential to supply total world demand 4000 times over.

Evaluating the 4 P’s of a Construction Project

admin  Construction  , , ,

Evaluating the 4 Ps of a Construction Project

This article has been prepared to assist you during the contractor selection process of your construction project. The material is based on information provided by Architectural, Manufacturer, and Trade Associations, as well as Consumer Protection groups. They provide this information as “Contractor Selection Criteria Guidelines” for building owners.

If you do your homework, and take the time to make the proper decisions, you will be one of the satisfied owners and not one of the victims. Generally, most dissatisfied construction project victims limited their focus to

“How Much Will the Project Cost” and
“When Can The Work Get Started”

However, authorities have suggested focusing on many other questions before awarding your project to anyone.
Contracting is not a process that most building owners are familiar with. There is a lot to learn before awarding your project, such as, what products are available and which procedures to use.

Therefore, its vital to know that you can rely on the contractor you choose to give you good advice about those products and procedures that may be new to you.

The critical factor in a successful contracting project is selecting the right contractor.

Architect Associations, Building Material Manufacturers, Trade Associations and Consumer Protection Agencies have published guidelines for selecting a contractor.

In this article, we have condensed that wealth of information into the four critical areas, which today we call the:

4 Ps of Owner Protection
1.PROBLEMS: What are the problems that are causing the need for construction?
2.PRODUCTS: What products and procedures solve those problems?
3.PEOPLE: Who is the contractor to install the products and how do you qualify him/her?
4.PRICE: How do you determine if the price quoted is fair and competitive?

SELECTING A CONTRACTOR

The critical success factor in any construction project is the contractor. A qualified, professional, experienced contractor knows what results are required for Owner Satisfaction as well as what will lead to dissatisfaction down the road.

Allow yourself a minimum of 1 hour to sit down with each contractor. Both of you need to explore the problems, products and prices. You will be surprised at how many options and questions can be discussed with a professional contractor.

Taking only 1 hour of time getting to now and quality the contractor prior to awarding your project can save endless hours of time dealing with dissatisfaction.

Most dissatisfaction involves an owner who did not fully know what they selected or committed themselves to. A professional contractor will take pride in his work and will have no problem discussing your options, his previous experience and his list of satisfied customers

Ask these questions:
WHAT IS THE FULL NAME AND ADDRESS OF THE COMPANY?

DOES THE COMPANY CARRY INSURANCE AND IS THE COVERAGE ADEQUATE?

IS THE COMPANY A LICENSED CONTRACTOR?
IS THE CONTRACTOR A MEMBER OF A TRADE ASSOCIATION AND IN GOOD STANDING?

HOW LONG HAS THE CONTRACTOR BEEN IN BUSINESS?

WHAT IS THE CONTRACTORS TRACK RECORD FOR HANDLING COMPLAINTS?

WHAT IS THE COMPANYS WORKMANSHIP WARRANTY?

Our next article will go into detail about each of these questions, the specifics and how to spot a good contractor.
Stay tuned! Castro Roofing