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Should You Paint Your Kailua-Kona Home Yourself? Whether it #39;s the interior or the exterior of your home that needs painting, the chances are that you #39;ve at least toyed with the idea of doing...
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Kona Painting Contractor Call 808-938-3723 Kona Painting Contractor - Video
SINGAPORE: Refurbishment businesses have been affected by the slow property market in Singapore. According to the Renovation and Decoration Advisory Centre (RADAC), which represents about 80 industry players, some firms have seen business drop by up to 50 per cent compared to three or four years ago when the property market was booming.
Homeowners seem to have a smaller appetite for lavish renovation works as well, with industry players saying homeowners in Singapore are now more selective about the kind of renovation works to undertake.
Affordability is the key issue, with property cooling measures like the Additional Buyer's Stamp Duty and loan restrictions taking a heavier toll on finances. Such measures have already softened the property market considerably.
Slower home sales naturally mean there is a shrinking pool of homeowners who want to customise a unit to their own unique tastes. It also means renovators have to fight harder to win the attention of customers.
Some contractors who have been struggling against the competition have had to close down. "With this consolidation of marketplace, there are companies who have folded up, because they find that their income is not able to match their ongoing expenses, despite how modest their expenses can be," said Edward Tan, executive director of RADAC.
Making conditions even tougher - especially for small, family-run renovation contractors - is the tight labour market in Singapore. "With the problem of getting labour and increased costs, contractors may think that their service level may not be good enough," added Mr Tan. "And because they have been around for so long, they may want to retire."
ADAPTING TO MARKET CHANGES
For those battling on, adapting to changes has been key. Renovation matchmaking website Kluje, which is linked to around 500 industry players, said refurbishment outfits are responding to changing tastes.
Kluje's co-founder and chief operations officer, Andrew Esmonde-White, noted that homeowners are taking up smaller renovation packages costing below S$10,000, and keeping away from lavish refurbishment projects costing S$100,000 and above. "So they will actually look at cheaper options on the tiling and maybe not even replace the tiles if they are actually really good. Then it is just general painting, they won't go for any structural changes to save money," he added.
Kluje expects this trend to continue, with contractors who are able to modify their operations more likely to thrive if the slowdown in the renovation sector persists.
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Renovation contractors hit by slow property market in Singapore
Lighting, Ceiling Fans, Outdoor Lighting, Diningroom Lighting Jacksonville Fl.
I created this video with the YouTube Video Editor (http://www.youtube.com/editor)
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Lighting, Ceiling Fans, Outdoor Lighting, Diningroom Lighting Jacksonville Fl. - Video
Fenton Michigan (PRWEB) October 30, 2014
VisibleBuilder.com is proud to announce that they have been chosen as a preferred vendor for Social Media by Outdoor Living Brands Inc. Based in Richmond, Va., Outdoor Living Brands is a national franchisor specializing in the outdoor living industry. With approximately 250 franchised locations, its award-winning brands including Archadeck Outdoor Living, Mosquito Squad, Outdoor Lighting Perspectives and Renew Crew. Outdoor Living Brands franchise concepts have been continually recognized for excellence by many organizations, including Inc. Magazine (Inc. 5000 list of fastest growing companies in 2014, 2013, 2012 and 2011) Franchise Research Institute for franchise excellence (2013, 2012, 2011, and 2010) and Franchise Business Review for franchisee satisfaction (2013, 2012, 2011, and 2010). For franchise information, visit http://www.OutdoorLivingBrands.com
Visible Builder is an internet content management company based out of Fenton, Mi. They work with small to large service providers in the Home Improvement Category. There are three main services provided to the clients of VisibleBuilder: Creation, Management and monitoring of 9 Relevant Social Media platforms, Online Reputation Monitoring, and Online Review Harvesting. Visible Builder was created to take the confusion and frustration out of Social Media for the home remodeling community, while creating a companys Social Footprint. Also, Visible Builder will help you accomplish this in an extremely cost effective way says Dennis Schaefer, the companys Founder and President. We are always looking for more effective ways that our Franchisees can market their companies and enhance their LOCAL brand. We feel VisibleBuilder.com will make an effective partner with our franchisees to make this happen in their local markets said Jane Campbell, Interactive Marketing Manager for Outdoor Living Brands Inc. For more information about services visit http://www.VisibleBuilder.com
If as a Builder you sometimes feel Invisible online, become a Visible Builder !
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VisibleBuilder.com Chosen as Preferred Vendor by Outdoor Living Brands Inc
One name that comes to mind when thinking about lighting solutions is Philips (PHG). The company, with a broad range of services under its belt, is also a leader in providing lighting solutions. With the paradigm shift in lighting solutions over the years and users embracing LED lights for innumerablebenefits, Philips is exploring LED lighting solutions as it was an established brand that provided turnkey light solutions for home and industrial segments, not forgetting its solutions for outdoor lighting.
Financial analysts believe that LED penetration rate will reach 70% by 2020, but looking at the exponential growth and demand of LED lights, this can grow much faster. Various research estimates foresee the growth of LED chips to be at a rate of 1.9% and can reach $12.74 billion by the end of 2014, and the Global LED lighting market size to reach $25.82 billion in 2014 with a market penetration of 23.4%. This market size is certainly benefiting a market leader like Phillips which has been a pioneer in providing lighting solutions globally.
The company has segmental revenue streams that comprise of consumer lifestyles, health care and lighting divisions. LED lighting that is part of lighting division of the company witnessed a growth of 48% year over year, and now LED represents 34% of the total lighting sales.
Philips has been giving tough competition to its nearest competitor like Cree as it lays a focused for expansion strategies to acquire a bigger market share in LED lighting. The company, which was more focused in the high power LED market, is now eyeing the mid-power LED to attain a wider market share in 2014. The company launched LUXEON 3020 last month to tap the mid-power LED lighting market.
The LUXEON 3020 emits more than 1,000 lumens per dollar, and it aims a wider adoption of LED-enabled lighting as it is most affordable. This was a much awaited launch by Philips' LED fixtures that included lamps and troffers; this sets an impetus for Philips in the commercial lighting for the mass market.
Synergy that will further boost Philips growth
A synergistic tie-in between two European giants, Philips and ABB (ABB), will enable Philips to use its LED expertise and ABBs automation knowledge. This fusion evolved to the new generation of LED lighting solutions mainly for commercial LED lighting solutions. It will provide seamless solutions by integrating connected lighting systems with device controls for commercial light solutions in buildings and also industrial LED lighting solutions.
The connected lighting system provided by Philips with a software interface provided by ABB, provides all ability to seamlessly control commercial lighting. This integrated solution will find an extended market for Philips in commercial LED lightings like shopping complexes, hotels, office buildings, etc.
Conclusion
The company, with its global reach and footprints, has been recording growth in most competitive international markets like China, Africa and the Middle East, where the future prospects are very bright.
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Philips: Brighter Future with LED Lights Market
Dale P. Kimm
BLAIRSTOWN Dale P. Kimm, 92, Blairstown died Wednesday, Oct. 15, 2014. Funeral services were held Monday, Oct. 20, 2014, at the Blairstown Legion Hall. Interment was in Pleasant Hill Cemetery, Blairstown, with graveside military rites conducted by the M.J. Kirby American Legion Post 170 of Blairstown and Iowa Military Funeral Honors.
A memorial fund has been established.
Dale P. was born Feb. 8, 1922, in Blairstown, the son of Porter John and Esther Elizabeth Shafer Kimm. He served his nation honorably during World War II in the United States Army.
Dale P. was owner of Kimms Ready Mix, formerly Kimm & Son, for many years. They provided many services over the years including Ready-Mix Concrete, Concrete Construction, Dump Truck Hauling and Ag-Lime Spreading. He was a businessman in the Blairstown community for many years, a member of M.J. Kirby American Legion Post 170 and a member of the Turners.
Dale P. was known for driving around town and picking up cans, taking his Dickie (what Dale P. called his lawn mower) around for a drive, and mowing your lawn if he thought it needed it. In many different ways, Dale P. would help the community of Blairstown, its organizations or any person, often with no recognition needed. Dale P. had a nickname for everyone and always called the little kids Bohemies or Popcase and always had a pocket full of quarters for his grandchildren.
He is survived by his son, Dale J. Joe (Corrine) Kimm, Blairstown; grandchildren, Danielle (Zach) Schulte, Norway, Abbie (Scott) Rathje, Atkins, Kylea (Zach) Zmoos, Santa Teresa, NM, Maggie (Ben Jones) Kimm, Blairstown, Dale Jr. (Kelly Martin) Kimm, Blairstown, and Andrew Enderle; great-grandchildren, Jackson and Charlie Schulte, Grayson and Harper Rathje and Ellie and Raegan Zmoos. He is also survived by his brothers and sisters, Francis Franny Kimm, Earl Putz Kimm, Russell Red Kimm, Kenneth Matt Kimm, Marion Paulson and Regina Blondie Wichman.
Dale P. was preceded in death by his parents; two sons in infancy, Rodney and Michael; daughter, Janet; first wife, Margaret; brother, Harlan Kimm; sister, Dalene Dellamuth; son, Jon Henry Buck Kimm; and his second wife, Lois Enderle.
The family wants to thank the Keystone Care Center Staff and Compassus Hospice for caring for Dale and a special thanks to Brenda Engelking who provided him with exceptional loving attention.
Phillips Funeral Home in Blairstown is in charge of arrangements. Condolences may be left at: http://www.phillipsfuneralhomes.com.
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OBITUARY: Dale P. Kimm
Three sites in California the Watts Towers, Noah Purifoy's Outdoor Desert Museum in Joshua Tree and the"Bay Lights" installation on the Oakland-Bay Bridge have been named to a list of 11 "at-risk" sites by The Cultural Landscape Foundation in Washington, D.C.
These places join eight other at-risk sites around the United States, including the Wells Petroglyph Preserve in northern New Mexico, which is facing problems of erosion, as well as the garden at the Frick Collection in New York City, under threat due to proposed expansion plans at the museum.
"Landscapes often die quiet deaths when you're dealing with the elements," says foundation President Charles Birnbaum. "It can be wind or it can be earthquakes. Unless landscapes are cared for, they can reach the tipping point. What this list does is to try to prevent that from happening."
Begun in 1998, the foundation raises awareness about issues of landscape design.
"Lots of institutions will have information on their websites about the architect of their building or their collections, but when it comes to landscape there often is nothing," Birnbaum says. "What we want to do is teach people how to see and value landscape and the people who shape those landscapes."
The at-risk list was launched in 2003 as a way of drawing national attention to places that are threatened with neglect, demolition, poor maintenance or lack of funding. This year's theme revolves entirely around land-based art and includes art installations and other projects in California and New York, as well as Iowa, Washington and Michigan.
Watts Towers and Purifoy's outdoor museum were included because they face preservation challenges and for the unique qualities they bring to the landscape.
"What's so inspiring about Noah Purifoy and [Watts Towers creator] Simon Rodia is that they're driven, they're unrelenting, they're passionate," says Birnbaum. "What they created was of a singular vision."
The Watts Towers are under the conservation stewardship of the Los Angeles County Museum of Art, which has been overseeing repairs and maintenance on the site in conjunction with the city of Los Angeles and the Department of Cultural Affairs. Last year, the museum secured a grant to bring in engineers from UCLA to study the stability of the structures, which have been plagued by cracks and loose bits of mosaic elements.
Purifoy's Outdoor Museumpresents its own challenges. Namely, weather and vandalism damage to the sculptures, which are on 10 acres of open land in Joshua Tree.
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California's 'at-risk' cultural landscapes include Watts Towers
BRANDON Roxanne Tobaison and Coleen Bentson are artists of a very different nature, with watercolors the medium of choice for Tobaison, and plants, shrubs, trees and dirt the means through which Bentson makes her mark with meadow-like gardening.
I think Coleen is tremendously talented, Tobaison said. When I look around her yard, its like what you see in a painting. You have different colors in different textures and varieties. Its not just landscaping, planting and pruning. Its being creative with her layouts.
Tobaison, a watercolorist for 35 years, described Bentson as a landscape artist, on location at the October paint-out arranged by the Brandon League of Fine Arts (BLFA) at Bentsons Valrico home in River Hills.
To hear what other people are saying about my garden, it adds an extra purpose to what Im doing, Bentson said about her extensive landscape designs, including a gated secret garden on the south side of her corner-lot property. I never thought about it as art.
What she does consider art is the Home to Heart greeting card line for handwritten notes she started on a shoestring budget, featuring photos she takes of her garden and yard throughout the year and seasons.
The cards have been for sale at various locations throughout the Greater Brandon area, including Kiwis Exotic Plants Nursery, Car Wash on the Green and Bloomingdale Nursery in Valrico; White Rabbit Antiques & Collectibles, Victorian Grace Tea Room and Mandalay Mist Bronzing Spa in Brandon; and the gift shops at Brandon Regional Hospital and the Center Place Fine Arts & Civic Association.
She created a beautiful space here, thats a form of art, said BLFA artist Diane Newsome, who complimented the gardens accessibility for walk-through views across its many pathways. And then shes taking pictures of that art that she can share with other people.
Bentson said she was drawn to gardening as a homeowner unable to grow grass without issues.
I took the challenge to xeriscape my property, said the mother of three, whose children range in age from 22 to 26. It looked good and one thing led to another. As I got older, my kids didnt demand as much of my attention. I could spend hours on my yard without worrying about what the kids were doing inside.
Bentson said she favors a natural look, best described as something that has grown there by itself, not manicured, and yet at the same time organized and weed-free, everything pruned and looking fresh.
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From gardening to art, homeowner makes her mark
Los Angeles, CA (PRWEB) October 29, 2014
Owner and garden artisan Scott Cohen believes his is the first company of its kind to use drones to capture their brand of outdoor magic. If other people in our industry are using drones, we have yet to see their videos on line or any place else, as of yet, he says.
Using a quad-rotor drone equipped with a GoPro high-resolution video camera, the firm has found a fresh and compelling way to demonstrate design ideas to its client base.
Our designs are typically conceived from an overhead perspective, but in the past we were rarely able to see the finished product from the air, explains Cohen. The drone now enables us and our clients to take in the environment from above. Its a game changer in terms of project presentation and promotion.
The Green Scene enjoys a well-earned reputation for often extraordinarily elaborate projects that typically feature a variety of elements, with a majority including highly customized swimming pools, spas, hot tubs, ponds, streams, waterfalls and other water features.
The companys design schemes routinely include a range of elaborate details associated with luxury swimming pools including vanishing edges, a.k.a. infinity pools, attached spas, perimeter overflows, fountains, Baja shelves, beach entries, and colorful plaster, pebble and tile finishes, often featured on national HGTV shows.
Those aquatic features are usually accompanied by outdoor rooms featuring outdoor kitchens, pool houses, cabanas, arbors, pergolas, shade structures, fire/water features, outdoor fireplaces, fire pits, dining areas, elaborate decks and patios, barbecue counters, landscape lighting, outdoor sound systems and finely tailored planting plans.
Because of that multi-faceted visual sophistication, capturing the scenes in land-based still photographs can be challenging. Now with the freedom of the aerial platform, Cohen and company are better able to show off their work from a variety of airborne focal points.
Cohen explains: An element such as a vanishing edge, for example, is all about visual perspective, but that can be tough to illustrate using strictly land-based photography. The drone enables us to show clients how these features visually enhance the setting in just a few seconds.
In addition, he adds, the smoothly shifting perspective of the drone affords views that reveal the aesthetic relationship between the exterior setting and the architecture of the home itself, as well as the surrounding environment.
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A Drones Eye View: The Green Scene Landscaping & Pools
Chorus, the regulated telecommunications network operator, wants to add another independent director to its board to enhance its capability in what's become a vastly different landscape in just three years.
Shareholders on Wednesday voted on whether to approve a lift in the pool for directors' fee to $1.1 million from $980,000, which was set in 2012 when Chorus was carved out of the then-dominant telecommunications company, Telecom Corp, which has since rebranded as Spark New Zealand.
Chairwoman Sue Sheldon told shareholders the increase won't spill over into higher fees for the current directors, rather, it would allow the company to add another director with "additional skills and perspectives" in a new environment for the company.
The board faced an increased workload in the 2014 financial year, with 33 meetings compared to 14 the year before, and a normal schedule of eight.
In response to a question from a shareholder, Ms Sheldon said the increase was based on the average fee for an ordinary director plus a committee role.
Speaking to BusinessDesk after the meeting, she said when the board was established it was thought Chorus would operate as a typical regulated utility, though that has changed with bedding in of the new regulatory landscape.
"That obviously looks different from what the position looked like in 2011, and we're working through that process," she said.
"It's not just one particular thing we're looking for."
Chorus has been locked in a battle with the Commerce Commission over the past 18 months after the regulator imposed steeper cuts to the regulated price of services over the network operator's copper lines.
The company has been fighting initial determination based on international benchmarks in the courts, while at the same time lobbying the regulator to take a softer approach in its more fulsome review.
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Chorus plans to expand board