Monday, September 17, 2012

Green Interior Design for Luxury Homes

Whenever I interview with a new client, I like to tell them that going green doesn't have to be expensive, sacrifice luxury, or result in a home that says "70's hippie lives here". I also tell them that I won't force anything on them, but I will present the options that include sustainable choices and let them decide from a place of information. Eco-friendly materials and products have changed so much in the last 5 years that often you would never know one just to look at it. As more homeowners request and install recycled glass countertops or dual flush toilets, the industry is getting the message loud and clear - and they are responding by creating more interesting, unique, and beautiful materials for us to choose from.

Choosing locally sourced products and materials for projects is often a popular choice with the homeowners because it saves shipping costs, and helps to integrate the home with the site. It is nice as a small business owner to support local craftsmen and other small businesses. In the case of custom cabinetry, it is much easier and faster to work with a local shop that can measure, install and follow up on the project.

Thursday, February 9, 2012

Cheap Home Insurance Online Offers Big Savings

When consumers want to save money by finding cheap home insurance, an online search may be their best option. While many consumers simply accept the insurer provided by their mortgage company, this usually ends up costing them more money than they should be paying. By searching for their own provider, they can generally realize significant savings.

There are, of course, a few strategies that should be employed in this search. Many people simply talk to a few insurers and then accept the policy offering that sounds good at the time. Obtaining the right price for the best coverage entails a more detailed search and comparison process. Thanks to the power of the internet, however, that process need not take as long as some might think.

Homeowners should begin with a general search to locate broker sites dealing with these offerings. At these sites, they can enter their personal and home information once, and receive multiple quotes on the policy coverage they need. This is a great time-saving method that can place a half-dozen quotes or more in the consumers hands in a matter of minutes.

Once the quotes are received, it is important to begin comparing the various terms and rates offered. Keep in mind, however, that these rates may not be the very best offer that the companies can provide. Many consumers fail to negotiate properly, and thus miss out on some of the more effective cost-saving discounts that are available.