Walking into her Willmar home is like taking a breath of fresh very organized air.

A professional organizer who started her own business, MODE Organizing, in 2019, Otness said her goal is to help others get in the mode and out of the mess by taking practical steps to live in homes that are tidy, clutter-free and yet homey and inviting.

Otness said organizing comes naturally for her and she thrives on blending her passion for being organized with her clients needs for a little help in their homes.

The COVID-19 pandemic that has kept most people homebound has led to widespread purging of possessions. People realized how closed in they can feel in their homes when theyre working, going to school, eating and playing in their homes all day long, Otness said.

The pandemic is providing an opportunity for people to think about what they really need versus what they have just accumulated, said Otness. We look at their homes in a different way.

Getting organized doesnt mean getting rid of everything. Otness said there is a happy medium of eliminating excess stuff that can cause stress and experiencing joy in having possessions.

Be as honest with yourself as possible about keeping what you truly use and need and being OK with letting go of the rest, said Otness, who encourages people to tackle organizing in bite-sized chunks by doing one drawer or cupboard a day.

Otness is not a fan of putting excess possessions in storage units. Theyre just simply a place to hold onto stuff because we cant make the decision, she said.

Heirlooms and antiques may be hard to part with. But if keeping something is more of a burden than a blessing Otness suggests taking a photo of the item, savoring the memories associated with it and then be OK with letting go of that guilt while letting go of the memento.

The name of her business MODE stands for Minimize, Organize, Design and Efficiency.

She uses those tools and the mantra of a place for everything and everything in its place when working with clients no matter how big or small of a space they need help with.

Spending more time cooking in the kitchen during COVID-19 has resulted in remodeling projects for some. But Otness said organizing the space you have can also create a more usable and efficient space.

Otness shares her advice for reducing the kitchen clutter.

1. Put what you use most often, like dishes and silverware, in the go zone between eye and waist level. Keep less-used items, like small appliances, in the highest and lowest spaces.

2. Remove dry goods and pantry items, like, pasta, beans, flours and rice from original packaging and put into jars and bins for better organization and a visual cue on when to put items on the grocery list.

3. Shop your home. Use things you already have, like baskets, trays, bowls and vases for other uses, like a utensil holder by your stove or a decorative bowl for produce on the counter.

4. A Lazy Susan can help utilize space in deep shelves while keeping everything accessible.

5. Eliminate the junk drawer and replace it with a utility drawer that houses smaller needed tools like batteries and flashlight, and omit things, like Band-Aids, hair ties and pens that belong in a different area of the home.

6. Spend 60 seconds now to save hours later. Put a recycling item into the bin as soon as the container is empty, go through your mail as you bring it in the house, do the dishes before the end of each day, wipe up spills right away and put away all groceries as soon as you bring them in.

7. A clear counter = a clear mind. A cluttered counter creates stress and anxiety.

To learn more about home organizing, Otness can be reached at:

Email: gretchen@modeorganizing.com

Website: http://www.modeorganizing.com

Instagram: @modeorganizing

Facebook: @MODEOrganizing

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Can't afford a new kitchen? Organize the space you have - West Central Tribune

Getty Images Make sure you're heading into home improvement projects the right way.

Many of us are spending more time at home in 2020, which could mean having more time to take on home improvement projects. But home renovations arent just a way to fill time; you want the results to be worth the hard work. The key to any successful project lies in careful planning including financial strategizing long before the power tools come out.

Roughly 3 in 5 American homeowners (61%) have taken on home improvement projects since March 1, 2020, spending $6,438, on average, according to an August 18-20 NerdWallet survey conducted online by The Harris Poll among 1,414 homeowners.

Whether youre outfitting your home with a new office or classroom, or taking on long-intended improvements such as painting or installing new flooring, here are five tips to help you make sure youre heading into the right project, the right way.

Any project may be worth your time if doing it makes you happy, but if you plan to sell your home soon, make sure you focus on projects that give a good return on your money. Many renovations cost thousands of dollars but wont increase the value of your home by the same amount.

For example, it costs about $50,000 to add a new bathroom, but homeowners typically recoup only about 54% of the cost in increased home value, according to Remodeling Magazines 2020 Cost vs. Value Report. A minor kitchen remodel, on the other hand, returns about 78% of its cost, so that type of project might make more sense.

Consider calling local real estate agents to ask them about the return you might receive from a home renovation project. Some local markets or neighborhoods may reward certain upgrades more than others.

You dont want to run out of cash in the middle of a home remodeling project. But unless youre careful, your project may get more expensive while its underway. That nicer tile may add only $7 per square foot, but if your kitchen has 100 square feet of floor space, watch out! To avoid running short on cash, add up your expenses before you start the project. Then add 10% or 20% to the total to allow for cost overruns.

To get an idea of how much youll have to spend on a specific project, look at what others have spent on comparable projects using a project estimate calculator or perusing sites like HomeAdvisor or Remodeling Magazine.

Since March 1, 34% of homeowners who undertook home improvement projects used cash on hand to fund those projects, 25% used money they had saved for those projects specifically and 14% used money from their economic stimulus check, according to the NerdWallet survey. As long as these projects arent being funded to the detriment of more important expenses, using available cash or savings can be a good way to keep from paying interest on your home improvement project.

If you have to finance your project, explore your funding options carefully. Among them are a home equity line of credit, a personal loan, a cash-out refinance or even credit cards. But they come at varying costs depending on the interest rate and how long it will take you to pay off the loan. A home improvement financing calculator can help you weigh these costs and make a savvy decision.

If youve decided to hire a professional, get written estimates from different contractors. As those estimates roll in, check their references and ask about their credentials. At a minimum, make sure each contractor is properly licensed to do the work on your home. You can also ask about their membership in trade associations. Many reputable contractors belong to professional trade groups such as the National Association of the Remodeling Industry or the National Association of Home Builders.

A good contractor will guarantee the work and offer a warranty. You can check Better Business Bureau ratings to see if others have had complaints about companies youre evaluating. If there have been complaints, check to see how they were resolved.

When you select a contractor, make sure you get your agreement in writing.

Permits help protect your home and your safety. Without the necessary approvals to perform work on your property, theres a chance the renovation wont meet local building codes. It could even affect your ability to sell your home in the future. Contact your municipality for details about what permits you must have for your renovation project. And follow up to make sure your contractor has permits in hand before beginning the work.

Youre probably planning to pay hundreds or thousands of dollars on a remodeling project. Its understandable to look for ways to save money, but dont automatically cut corners by using the cheapest materials.

Talk to your contractor about the trade-offs between quality and price for your project. Youll probably be better off selecting the best-quality products that fit your budget. Otherwise, you could be stuck with having to make costly repairs after a few months because you skimped on quality.

A home remodeling project can give a big boost to your homes aesthetics and market value if you avoid costly mistakes. By setting a budget, researching contractors and making sure your improvements use quality materials, you can help avoid expensive pitfalls and enjoy your homes new design.

Survey methodology is available in the original article, published at NerdWallet.

Elizabeth Renter is a writer at NerdWallet. Email: elizabeth@nerdwallet.com. Twitter: @elizabethrenter.

The article 6 Ways to Avoid Costly Home Renovation Mistakes originally appeared on NerdWallet.

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6 Ways to Avoid Costly Home Renovation Mistakes - MSN Money

Latest updates on Luxury Plumbing Fixtures market, a comprehensive study enumerating the latest price trends and pivotal drivers rendering a positive impact on the industry landscape. Further, the report is inclusive of the competitive terrain of this vertical in addition to the market share analysis and the contribution of the prominent contenders toward the overall industry.

Rising purchasing power coupled with increasing demand for premium and advanced bathrooms and kitchens are key factors fueling luxury plumbing fixtures market growth. Factors such as government supported residential building upgradation and renovations due to disaster will propel the industry expansion. Key trending factors including integrated high-low sprinklers thermostatic faucets and chromotherapy to integrate bathroom spaces will drive luxury plumbing fixtures demand.

Inclination towards new and improved designs & technology for comfort and aesthetics will stimulate product penetration in residential and commercial sector. Introduction of various innovative products including water efficient systems will create lucrative opportunities for luxury plumbing fixtures market growth. Increasing preference for low flush toilets with wastewater collection and treatment system will enhance the product penetration. Hospitality industry expansion owing to increased leisure and business tourism will support luxury plumbing fixtures market demand in commercial sector.

Request Sample Copy of this Report @ https://www.theresearchprocess.com/request-sample/6354

Luxury Plumbing Fixtures Market is estimated to exceed USD 26 billion by 2024; according to a new research report.

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Rise in bathroom and kitchen remodeling projects among middle class population will support the product demand. However, high and fluctuating prices of metals and ceramic used in manufacturing may impact the industry expansion. Stringent regulations to meet the efficiency and safety of products are among the major challenges faced by the luxury plumbing fixtures market players.

Advancements in the plumbing technologies including heated seat and dual flush toilets will propel industry growth. Product innovations such as touchless and sensor operated fixtures specifically from the commercial sectors will stimulate the luxury plumbing fixtures market demand.

Major Highlights from Table of contents are listed below for quick lookup into Luxury Plumbing Fixtures Market report

Chapter 1. Competitive Landscape

Chapter 2. Company Profiles

Chapter 3. Methodology & Scope

Chapter 4. Executive Summary

Chapter 5. Luxury Plumbing Fixtures industryInsights

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Luxury Plumbing Fixtures Market Key Growth Factors, development trends, key manufacturers and competitive forecast 2024 - The Research Process

The Coastal Companies, which are comprised of three distinct divisions Coastal Custom Builders, Coastal Land Design, and Island Pools Cape Cod were created by landscape architect, Tim Klink, CEO of The Coastal Companies.

Klink worked in construction while working on his landscape architectural degree in college. It was a marriage of the type of work hed always wanted to do.

I got out of college and I came back to live with my parents, as most people do, and from their basement I started Coastal Land Design, Klink said. We would design projects and subcontract them out. Then we started getting our own crews together and were actually performing the work. We were working for a client, doing a landscape job, when that client approached us and said they wanted to build a spec house, but had no idea who to contact. Ive been around construction my whole life. So I said we can do it for them.

Klink and his team built the spec house from the ground up and the owner was able to sell it right away. The buyers had friends in town who also needed some work done. They wanted a home office added on to their ranch home.

While I did that project, Kink said, I realized theres a balance here between being able to build and being able to landscape and putting it all together. Out of that, a new building division was born.

The Island Pools Cape Cod division of the company was established in 2017. Born out of need of what Klink saw on the Cape. People who wanted to do more with their homes. During this pandemic era, parents feel safer keeping their kids home instead of going to the beach. Having a pool at home offers a resort-like feel to the yard, as well. And working on building a pool or a landscape design allows for plenty of social distancing.

Its minimal contact, Klink said. Youre dealing with the project manager and myself, and were doing everything with apps. Were working outside in your yard, so theres minimal interaction there. You can choose a lot of your materials online, and we can send contracts to you via Docu-sign, so theres a lot we can do a lot with that contactless process.

If theyre working on your home, Klink said that most of these are summer homes, so the owner is not on site anyway.

Thera are a lot of ways now where a client can have a house built, and not even be here, he said. Thats actually happened with a couple of clients we built their homes, but have never met them.

Even with summer soon drawing to a close, you can still make a plan. Fall and winter are great times to renovate.

Youre here, and if you want to look and touch and feel things, you can. Then, after Labor Day, when you go home, thats when we take over. We can work on the project during the fall and winter, and deliver it for you by Memorial Day the following year.

Looking at the demographic of Cape Cod, he said, there has been a real need for an in-house firm that can do everything from designing and building the homes, to creating the landscapes, to building the pools. The Coastal Companies three divisions offer everything you need in one place.

Great indoor projects for the fall and winter include kitchen and bath remodels. When planning for the kitchen and bath, most clients are looking for a whole remodel.

Well be taking the kitchen down to the studs, adding more windows, doing open-shelf concept vs. upper cabinets, and adding more cabinets down below, said Klink. Were usually trying to find a spot for a pantry, too. Typically, when were doing a kitchen remodel, it usually involves opening up the kitchen to the rest of the house. Working with our own designers, we have structural knowledge, so we know if we can structurally do what the client is asking for.

One of the great things about us is that were able to do our own design plans, and were also a dealer for cabinetry. Were a dealer for Prevo cabinetry and Medallion cabinetry. We also have our own custom woodshop, so not only can we use stock cabinetry for most applications, but if we need to custom-build a cabinet, we can, he said. Because its being custom-built in our own shop, were not paying true custom prices, because were not subbing it out.

Allow at least three months before you want to start your project, Klink said. Because of COVID-19, many of the plants who supply materials are at half production right now, so the sooner the better.

To get your estimate on land design, building, or installing an amazing pool, visit buildwithcoastal.com or call 508-240-2114 today.

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Homeowner's Headquarters The Coastal Companies: Three Companies. One Comprehensive Remodeling Plan - CapeCod.com News

Every decade brings forth a new change. 2020 is no different. Want to get a headstart on your design inspiration? Heres a piece of good news if you plan to start remodeling your home. These will define home trends in 2020.

One of the biggest trends to come out of 2020 is the emergence of non-white kitchens. Two-tone kitchens, as well as colored cabinets, have seen a rise in popularity. All-white kitchens had dominated the market for a while, but with this new decade, were seeing a pattern of diminishing in its use.

For the modern homeowner, bathrooms are not just about utility anymore. More and more homeowners are converting their bathrooms into a sanctuary. While you may not need a full-blown spa, a sitting arrangement or two can do the job, as well.

Out with the old, in with the new. This seems to be the mantra for 2020 trends. Floating vanities are practical, save space, and give your bathroom a more contemporary look.

The popularity of the floating vanities is also due to the rise of a minimalistic aesthetic. While this trend may still be sinking in, it is undoubtedly a favorite for 2020.

In previous years, powder rooms have been nothing more than a formality. However, the new decade is shifting attention to this underrated room.

Homeowners are increasingly choosing to go the extra mile when it comes to remodeling their powder room. It includes elaborate wallpapers, accented hardware, and quirky themes, as well.

Most of us had assumed that formal dining rooms were pretty much on the verge of extinction. However, the new decade has brought a revival of sorts.

Homeowners are accepting the old with a hint of new. Not just that, they arent afraid to pull all the stops to go as extravagant as they want to highlight the importance of the dining area.

The word sustainable has been making its presence known in recent times. The world is moving towards an environmentally aware state and home trends are not an exception.

Homeowners have been taking the environmental impact of their purchasing decision into consideration. From using upcycled materials to sticking to an earthy theme for their design, sustainability is the name of the game.

From bright-colored cabinets to quirky decor, every design element in 2020 comes down to one thing: Personality. The biggest trend in 2020 is to show your personality rather than shy away from it.

Homeowners are embracing breaking rules and trends. Drifting away from popular trends and staying true to your personality is the biggest trend of this decade.

2020 has seen a rise in very familiar, yet unique trends. Those are here to stay. If you want to get an edge on your remodeling plans, its a good idea to keep them handy.

*This article is posted by and in partnership with GBC Kitchen and Bath, a kitchen and bathroom remodeling store in Alexandria, VA and Rockville, MD.

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Trends That Will Define Home Trends in 2020 - The DC Post

Mamas Place: These are the times that try men's souls

Over the course of the past week, a long-forgotten phrase Mama often quoted gradually came together in my mind. Thomas Paine wrote in 1776, These are the times that try mens souls. It was quite a week. In fact, it has been quite a year. Last summer I decided to stop talking about moving back into midtown Fort Smith and start packing. But ... before packing, I sorted every closet, cabinet and dresser drawer, weeding out treasures I could tear myself away from. Two friends came and worked two full days helping pack items for storage and doing touch-up painting. I must say that my CRV made many trips to the Salvation Army. I also participated in the neighborhood garage sale. (For the record, Avon bottles are no longer a hot item.)

Property in my south Fort Smith neighborhood was selling fast, great motivation for staging and listing my house. After the purge, strong young neighbors moved half of my furniture into the garage. My realtors goal was to create open spaciousness to allow prospective buyers to visualize their things in my house. From friends reaction coming for a private showing, we were successful in creating open spaciousness. One exclaimed, Its so bare. Another wailed, Oh, I miss all of your pretty things.

My house was listed the third week of July. The market stood still. Literally. Two other neighbors listed homes, both relocating for work. As they walked by my house most days, the question was, Anyone looking at your house? The answer was, No. Eventually, the two husbands moved to begin work elsewhere, leaving both wives to sell the houses. Finally, one wife moved to be with her husband, leaving her house empty.

As summer turned to fall, I continued to scout for houses or lots in my preferred area, finding absolutely nothing. One Sunday in early October I noticed in the Times Record a real estate auction to be held later that month. Making a mental note, I planned to drive by and take a look; however, I was busy and forgot about the auction until three days before its scheduled date, when I passed the sign pointing down a side street. On a whim, I turned left onto the street and three houses down saw a rather quirky, red brick house with new architectural shingles and white shutters. I parked, walked around to the fenced backyard and saw a covered porch with wide overhang and brick elevated surround for hanging and setting plants. I liked this place and called the number on the sign out front.

Many times since that call, I have asked myself, What was I thinking? After three friends inspected the house, I bought the place at auction on a dreary, rainy Thursday morning. For the record, I did not get a deal. In fact, I paid more than it would have brought on the open market. Do not ask why. I do not know why. I just know that I have learned a lot about myself, about the construction trade, about the goodness of people (I have dealt with a few bad apples), and about the power of prayer.

As with typical auctions, I made a down payment on the day of sale and closed in 30 days. Until the day of closing, I considered every way to avoid closing. I closed and plowed ahead into what the contractor called a rather major remodel. Indeed. Right away a friend noticed a slight dip in the garage roof, and upon inspecting the attic, discovered inferior framing, as well as a broken rafter. My contractor was chosen because as a former framer, he explained how he could bring the roof up to proper standards.

The listing on my home expired Dec. 31. I planned to have the remodel finished when I relisted and sold in the spring. Old carpet was ripped out, aging drapes trashed, upper kitchen cabinets removed, furr down ripped out, partial walls removed, openings widened, circuit breaker replaced fuses, entire inside repainted and original hardwood floors were refinished to look new. Remember I said, I planned to have remodel finished when my house sold.

My house was relisted March 1, sold March 13, and closed the morning of April 7. The plan was for my daughter to come from Chicagoland March 20 during spring break to help pack. The coronavirus hit Chicago in full force. Lee Anna was isolated at home. Before the virus isolated us, a Tulsa cousin came for two days and packed fragiles that required careful attention. I packed the rest, while dealing with delays and frustrations at the remodel, which was not complete when my furniture was moved on April 6. Movers returned to finish moving my boxes on April 7 as the new owner moved in.

Today is June 1, and the remodel is still incomplete. The electrician was delayed by illness. The floors took longer to dry because of rainy weather. The outside water faucet leaked and was replaced. Papa Gary was hospitalized for four days. A few weeks later he took an ambulance ride to the ER for severe back pain. With constant prayers from friends and family, virtual church services, Zoom meetings, and Facetime with grandchildren and their parents, I have remained calm and patient through most of these seven months of moving and remodeling during social isolation; however, this past week my stiff upper lip drooped a little.

I lay awake in the darkness unable to sleep, fretting over many unfinished details at the house and Papa Garys care with both children so far away, and knowing I must sleep in order to face the days tasks. And then cousin Randy called to say his mom, my dear Aunt Maxine, had just passed peacefully at 91 to her eternal rest. I told Randy how much I loved Max and that I would not attend her service because of the virus, that my present chaotic reality required me to stay well. He texted back to me, I know that Ive learned to be still among the chaos and then God speaks to me.

These are times that try our souls, and then God speaks through the words of a cousin who speaks from experience, from friends who help paint cabinet frames, or reassemble a crystal chandelier, or move boxes in garage to clear space for car, or clean oven racks, or wash loads of cover cloths, or bring food, or call with encouragement.

Be still among the chaos and God will speak. Mama knew.

Louise Owens Finney is a retired secondary teacher and part-time minister in Fort Smith. She can be reached at LouiseOFinney@gmail.com.

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Mamas Place: These are the times that try mens souls - Times Record

Many businesses have faced financial hardships during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The home improvement industry, much of which is considered essential business, is faring far better.

Michael DeMarco, owner of On The Spot Home Improvements in Saddle Brook,said his sales have increased about 25% since the pandemic hit. On The Spot does emergency home repairs, as well as roofing, kitchen and bathroom remodeling, deck installation, power washing and gutter installation, repair and cleaning.

"Theres a lot of people staying home," said DeMarco. "People have called us saying their home is going to be their office for the foreseeable future, and they want to make it nice."

According to DeMarco, many of his clients rerouted the money from their canceled vacations to finance repairs andadditions to their homes.

Real estate: NJ could see increase in people moving from the cities to the suburbs after coronavirus

Social distancing rules have made homethe safest place to be. With parks packed, backyards and front porches have becomethe ideal place to get some sun and let the kids burn off some energy which means On The Spot Home Improvements and other landscaping, contracting and home improvement businesses are experiencing a rise in sales.

Swing Set & Toy Warehouse, which has locations in Upper Saddle River, Freehold, Fleming and East Hanover, has seen a 50% increase in business, said Sue Williams, a sales representative for the company for the past 30 years.

"Ive never seen anything like it," said Williams. Trampolines, basketball hoops and swing sets, specifically, are being ordered nonstop.

"Usually families decide to buy swing sets when their children are age-appropriate. But now, Im seeing even people with very young kids buying this year," she added. Why? Because being outside eases stress, said Williams, especially in a time when entire families are cooped up at home.

The phones at Jacobsen Landscape Design in Midland Park, which designs landscaping for pools and patios andinstalls irrigation systems and outdoor landscape lighting, have been ringing off the hook, as customers yearn for more put-together homes.

Of course, things in the home improvement industry have changed since the pandemic. DeMarco says his staff members wear masks and get their temperatures taken at the door. They keep 6 feet apart from each other and clients. The office building and trucks are constantly being sanitized.

DeMarco predicts the home improvement boomwill continue for the next year, even as businesses and entertainment venues open up. As expensive vacations will likely have to be canceled for the rest of the year, he thinks that money will instead go to building a new cabana in the backyard, installing a pool, or finally building that dream deck.

5 easy home improvement ideas

Cleanhard-to-reach places, such as vents and the tops of fans. This is the perfect time to take care ofspots that usually get neglected. Use the brush attachment on your vacuum or a microfiber cloth to wipe away grime. Add a fresh coat of paint to a room. Yes, this task may seem a bit daunting, but repainting even one accent wall can completely transform a room. We've never had more time to tape, tarp and paint. When's the last time you power washed your house? The weather is getting warm, which means the time is right to impress your neighbors by giving the exterior of your home a scrub. Create a gallery wall with your favorite photos. Gallery wallsare very trendy right now, and printing out and framing pictures of friends and family can make the days in quarantine seem less lonely, while also adding a striking element to your home. Outdoor furniture can get grubby over the years. Perhaps set aside some time to give them a scrub -- Lysol wipes and soapy water work great.

Rebecca King is a food writer for NorthJersey.com. For more on where to dine and drink, please subscribe today and sign up forour North Jersey Eats newsletter.

Email: kingr@northjersey.com Twitter: @rebeccakingnj Instagram: @northjerseyeats

This article originally appeared on NorthJersey.com: Rebuilding America: Home improvement companies thrive as pandemic keeps North Jersey shut in

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Rebuilding America: Home improvement companies thrive as pandemic keeps North Jersey shut in - New Jersey Herald

For Sale/Rent

Live large in these 800 square feet, nestled along Worcester Square.

Photo by Dan St. John, Lightshed Photography Studio

18 Worcester Square #3, BostonPrice: $709,000Size: 788 square feetBedrooms: 1Baths: 1

This one-bedroom condo is all about scale: Tall windows, 12-foot ceilings, and even the heavy double door you walk through to enter the unit. Which is to say nothing of the homes crown jewel, a massive chandelier dripping down into the center of the large living area. Situated on the second floor of a brick bow-front building bordering Worcester Square park, the homes age is another part of its grand appeal. The light pine floors, dotted with dark nail heads, date back to 1900 and the baroque crown molding is thought to be original, too.

Off the main hall, there are three smaller rooms: A narrow kitchen with stainless appliances, a bath with painted tile floors, and an incredibly stylish bedroom. Push through a pair of pocket doors with frosted glass panes to kick up your feet in the latter, which showcases somehow even more embellished molding than the rest of the unit. A starburst-style light fixture and cool gray walls modernize the 20th century glamor, and on the other side of a glass door is a truly timeless featurea roomy balcony where your plants can get some sun, and you can lounge in the shade.

For information, contact Jennifer Gelfand, Keller Williams Realty, jennifergelfand.com.

Photo by Dan St. John, Lightshed Photography Studio

Photo by Dan St. John, Lightshed Photography Studio

Photo by Dan St. John, Lightshed Photography Studio

Photo by Dan St. John, Lightshed Photography Studio

Photo by Dan St. John, Lightshed Photography Studio

Photo by Dan St. John, Lightshed Photography Studio

Photo by Dan St. John, Lightshed Photography Studio

Photo by Dan St. John, Lightshed Photography Studio

Photo by Dan St. John, Lightshed Photography Studio

The Boston Home team has curated a list of the best home design and home remodeling professionals in Boston, including architects, builders, kitchen and bath experts, lighting designers, and more. Get the help you need with FindIt/Boston's guide to home renovation pros.

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On the Market: A Swanky One-Bedroom Condo in the South End - Boston magazine

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When youre on the hunt for startup office space, the number of factors surrounding the search for a suitable working environment can make the process daunting.

You need to satisfy your startup business current needs while also looking to the future, making sure that wherever you choose is cost-effective and good for team morale, as well as accurately reflecting your brand image.

A good location helps build trust with your clients and enhances your brand image.

Choose a spot that stands out for positive reasons like attractive surroundings, accessibility and commute time.

You want to leave a good impression on visitors and offer a good daily experience for employees. Consider the state of roads and traffic flows, security and access to other facilities like restaurants and fitness centers and the availability of adequate parking.

Unfortunately, a lot of times some of the older properties which might be very nice physically, they can be under parked,'' said Mark Bentley, managing director and principal broker for Colliers International Arkansas. So thats an issue. Youve always got to have ample parking to provide for your employees.

Location can be dictated by the needs of your company. For example, you may also be setting up a distribution center or some other off-site facility and will want your main office close.

Maybe a business owner wants the location to be near him, since hes making all the decisions, or maybe he wants it near where the majority of his employees live for their convenience.

Theres a laundry list of things to be considered there, but location is one of those decisions you really want to make thinking long term, said John Martin, principal and vice president of brokerage for real estate firm Newmark Moses Tucker Partners.

Naturally, youll need to provide employees with access to basic welfare facilities but there are other factors.

Sufficient parking, including wheelchair accessible spots, or an adequate number of power outlets, can play a major role in employee happiness.

If your company has a lot of meetings make sure you have conference space to spare. If you intend to use your office to meet with clients, you will want a comfortable waiting or reception area.

Do a head count and consider how many bathrooms would be adequate. Think about a comfortable kitchen setup and breakroom and space that can be used for company functions that enhance unity.

Make a list of must-have items versus a list of those youd like to have.

Consider not just if the space is adequate now but if it is flexible enough to accommodate growth. Maybe 1,500 SF is enough now, but a successful young business might find it needs 3,000 SF in just a couple years, Bentley said.

I often look for opportunities for them to grow with the building were moving them into, Bentley said.

Of course the price has to be right. You dont want to bankrupt your business before you start with a weighty lease. Make sure that terms dont slow your businesss growth in other areas.

Think about costs like parking, internet access, utilities, furniture, potential maintenance and other bills hidden in the operation.

Avoiding calculating cost per person and focus on how much youre willing to spend overall on a monthly basis.

Remember price, availability and variety of available spaces vary depending on your location needs. Plan at least three to four months before making a move. Being deliberate can keep you from jumping into a space that looks good up front only to learn its inadequate later.

Its your companys home, so make sure your office suits your companys culture.

Your office should have the space to accommodate breaks and group activities while also making a positive impression on visiting clients. Appearances do matter.

What is the nature of your business? Does your office need to accommodate any heavy equipment? Is there room to stock essential supplies and provisions?

You dont want to end up with cramped spaces, inadequate lighting or substandard break space and facilities that can harm productivity. Find space that motivates your staff and embrace the image and reputation you want to build when choosing your office.

Dont rush to sign a lease even after inspecting the space and confirming it is a good fit for your business. As much as you desire the place, dont sign before reading all the terms and clarifying any cost implications of each clause and beware of hidden charges hidden in the fine print.

Finding representation and expert help for this process is a smart move, if feasible, Martin said.

Having an accountant, having an attorney, having a realtor, people who have been through it, done it, understand it, so when those types of things are presented to you youre not sitting there wondering what all this means, Martin said.

Consider the lease period. Moving your business from one place to another can negatively affect profits over time, Bentley said.

Calculate the total costs of moving your business to the new space and factor in the cost of renovations and installations. If at all possible, work a tenant remodel allowance into the deal, Bentley said.

What they find is not going to be perfect and theyre going to need to do some remodeling, he said. Each tenant really needs to produce a nice remodel allowance from the building landlords, otherwise you cant get done what you need done to the space.

As the traditional, cubicle-and-desk setups give way to more organic, versatile and free flowing spaces, communication, collaboration and harmony become just as important as schedules and resources.

When considering your dream office, consider the primary factors your employees feel are most important. One size office space does not fit all.

Its fluid, Martin said. The environments always changing. So now were kind of more in the environment of open office spaces, particularly on the corporate side.

Think about the value of open space to collaboration, flexible space to accommodate teleworking, hoteling allocating certain office space to certain employees during certain times of the week and activity-based design that allows space to be set aside for specific uses via private enclaves, shared desk spaces, open tables, conference spaces and cafes.

Originally posted here:
Setting Up Shop: What to Consider When Choosing Your Office - Arkansas Business Online

By: Kitchen Tune-Up | 0Shares 21Reads

April 28, 2020 // Franchising.com // ABERDEEN, S.D. - Kitchen Tune-Up announced today that it has been named to the FRAN-TASTIC 500 list by FranServe Inc., the worlds largest franchise consulting and expansion organization.

Its an honor to be recognized as one of the leading franchise opportunities by FranServe, said Heidi Morrissey, President of Kitchen Tune-Up. Our ranking is reflective of the model weve built and the commitment we make to our franchise family and their team members. We have an outstanding group of franchisees who are dedicated to serving their communities with the highest of customer service standards, and we look forward to continue growing with likeminded franchise partners in the months to come.

The key factors that go into FranServe's nomination and selection include strong brand identity, turnkey model, operational support, superb training, scalability, quick to launch and clear marketing messaging.

Alesia Visconti, CEO of Franserve Inc. says, Franchising is a doorway for many people looking to be their own boss. A brand that makes our annual FRAN-TASTIC 500 list demonstrated that it goes above and beyond the norm in helping people fulfill their dreams of business ownership through franchising! Its a brand that sets itself apart!

Kitchen Tune-Up prides itself not only on hard work and the ability to finish a project in 1-5 days, but on its Trustpoints system, premier customer service, and family-like mentality business model. Known for its five options to update kitchens and cabinetry, services include signature one-day Tune-Ups, cabinet painting, cabinet refacing, cabinet redooring, and new cabinets.

As Kitchen Tune-Up continues to evolve, the brand has introduced DIY Plus services ranging from cabinet redooring to garage cabinets and cabinet organization. Through virtual connectivity, a representative can provide clients with necessary guidance on products, tools, and directions to accomplish tasks on their own. Despite coronavirus restrictions, Kitchen Tune-Up has continued to innovate and prioritize their franchise owners and clients.

With more than 204 franchised territories nationwide, Kitchen Tune-Up is widely recognized as the frontrunner among kitchen and bath remodeling companies and a position on the ranking is a testament to its strength as a franchise opportunity.

Founded in 1988, Kitchen Tune-Up specializes in five ways to update kitchens and cabinetry. Services include its signature 1 Day Tune-Up, cabinet painting, cabinet refacing, cabinet redooring, and new cabinets. With more than 204 franchised territories nationwide, Kitchen Tune-Up has been named to Entrepreneurs Franchise 500 list in 2020. Kitchen Tune-Up offers personalized service and incredible results that are structured around customer service Trustpoints to ensure a hassle-free experience from start to finish.

SOURCE Kitchen Tune-Up

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Kitchen Tune-Up is Recognized as a FRAN-TASTIC 500 Brand For 2020 - Franchising.com