The main speaker is Mark Naftel, counsel in the Business and Technology Group of Baker, Donelson, Bearman, Caldwell, and Berkowitz PC in Nashville, TN.  Mr. Naftel details the various parts of a contract and how they specifically relate those professionals in the construction/remodeling industry.

Listed below are the main aspects of the seminar:

What should be in a Contract?

1. Indentity of parties
2. Definitions
3. Description of services or goods to be provided
4. Payment – How Much and When
5. Risk allocation
6. Method of agreement – Signatures and hand written changes
7. Details of deposits and payment schedules
8. Explaination of handling Change Orders
9. Inspections and approvals – sunset provisions
10. Delays – Liquated damages and Bonus provisions
11. Liens
12. Warranties
13. Subcontractors – Indemnity and regulatory compliance
14. Inspection and acceptance provisions
15. Limits of Liability
16. Late Fees and cost of collection

“THE CONTRACT SHOULD TELL YOUR STORY ABOUT HOW YOU RUN YOUR BUSINESS”

*The Mission of the National Kitchen & Bath Association (NKBA) is to enhance member success and excellence, promote professionalism and ethical business practices, and provide leadership and direction for the kitchen and bath industry worldwide.

Also from the article:

Rheem summarizes some of the differences:

* Product Cost: Tank water heaters typically range in cost from $350 to $550, while tankless water heaters are roughly double that amount.
* Operating Cost: Average annual operating costs for tank water heaters are in the $230 to $285 range. Average annual operating costs for tankless water heaters are about half of that, at $165 to $170.
* Installation Cost: In new construction, installing any type of water heater includes running fuel lines or electrical connections and allowing for adequate venting, so there is little difference in costs between a tankless water and a tank water heater. In remodeling, however, it will cost more to replace a tank water heater with a tankless unit. Installed costs to replace a tank water heater with a tankless unit are typically between $1,200 and $3,000, compared with a range of $500 to $800 to replace a tank with another tank.
* Size: Tank water heaters are typically four to six feet in height, and up to two and a half feet in diameter. Because of their size, tank water heaters are usually located in the garage or basement, which sometimes places the hot water far from the point of use. Tankless water heaters, about the size of a medicine cabinet, can be wall-mounted indoors or even outdoors.
* Experience: Tankless water heaters never run out of hot water. A properly sized unit allows for use of multiple fixtures and appliances at the same time. Tankless is especially ideal for luxury spa bathrooms, where one large whirlpool tub can empty a 40-gallon tank-type water heater before the tub is even filled.

While the site is open for all, including homeowners, Rheem offers a white paper and bi-monthly newsletter that is strictly limited to professionals. For more information, visit www.smarterhotwater.com.

Is a tankless water heater right for your project?  Contact REDBUD CONSTRCUTION SERVICES at 865.250.9172 and we would be happy to discuss the possibilities for your project.

From MarketWatch:

When it comes to kitchen design today, cherry and maple cabinets are hot, as are quartzite countertops and custom paneled appliances. So says a recent national survey of kitchen designers conducted by the National Kitchen & Bath Association (NKBA) and luxury appliance manufacturer Thermador. With 206 participants – all of whom are NKBA certified designers – the online survey identifies several trends influencing today’s kitchen design – from popular colors and finishes used in designs, to new materials, and even new technologies being incorporated by designers.

And here’s a summary of the Survey:

Kitchen Type (design): Traditional
Cabinetry Finishes: Cherry and Maple
Color Scheme: Stainless Steel followed by beiges/bones
Appliances: Stainless steel and custom paneling/modular refrigeration
Countertops and Backsplashes: Granite and quartzite/tile, granite, or glass backsplashes
Functionality and Layout: multiple cooking stations and prep sinks

These trends have well established themselves and will continue to be used in kitchens for years to come.

Read the full article here.