Are you a know-it-all?

This is a little story that I like to call the curse of the know-it-all. We have all met one, seen one, avoided one or perhaps you ARE one! Regardless, I want to share a little story from my life that I hope will help you at some point in the future. Last week, I was asked to install what was described as a very simple drapery job. Original installer had hung the 4 motorized drapery tracks and the sheer drapes closest to the window. I was to arrive, hang outer drapes, program the remote control and steam out any wrinkles- easy enough (or so I thought). Upon arrival, homeowner had informed me of what they thought was a wiring issue. While, I don't claim know everything there is to know about home automation- I have the necessary contacts to find out what I need to get the job done. So while I was on the phone with the drapery track motorization company (and sending pictures to the company of the current wiring) they determined that the initial installer did not set up system with all correct parts to program the draperies to function properly. Furthermore, since the home automation system runs these drapery track motors an infrared remote would not work. I realized soon after this why the original installer was not asked back to finish the job, incompetence. As soon as the necessary parts arrive later this week I will be going back to program the system alongside the home automation company next Tuesday. I will never claim to know all there is to know about the home furnishings industry, that is a ridiculous thought. We live in a world where items are updated and outdated constantly. All I can stress is to have a great support team to call if you do have problems. Get to know your reps, sales staff, customer service and product manuals. It is not embarrassing to call a support line and get the right answers. It is however embarrassing to lose a job because you were too embarrassed you did not know everything. Hint: you will never know everything.

New products- new possibilities

WINK The clear, dry erase coating that lets you turn any paintable surface into a write-and-erase canvas. Now, let the true color of your wall show through, without the limits of a whiteboard. Wink is not your typical whiteboard, this is red-board, orange-board or purple-board. You can write on any color wall with stuff-very cool.

Granite versus Quartz

One of the most costly per square foot home renovations occur in the kitchen. Since this is one of the largest investments that you will probably make in your home it is important to educate yourself on solid surfaces for your countertops. Solid surfaces are certainly not a budget-friendly alternative by any means. However, many homeowners have been swayed in recent years into choosing granite by the misrepresentation that it is maintenance-free, this is false. Granite can chip, crack and stain if not taken care of properly. One solution I suggest to those homeowners that are interested in solid surfaces is to consider quartz, an engineered solid surface. View the pros and cons of quartz countertops here.