4 November 2009

Renovation Contractor Hiring Tips

Renovation is the process of improving a structure. Two prominent types of renovations are commercial and residential. Before embarking on any renovation, it is good to look at some renovation contractor hiring tips to not only avoid con artists but also get the best contractors. Renovations can involve home modifications like stair glides, handicap modifications for disabled people, basement remodeling and renovation or business premises modifications like office space renovation. Whether one is a professional do-it-by-yourself genius or a homeowner, there comes a time when one needs some professional home building or renovating. The renovations may range from simple home modifications like bathroom renovations and remodeling to complex ones like porch lifts and elevators.

Depending on the complexity of the project at hand, the contractor chosen will be spending some time in or around the renovation premises for familiarization. Preferably the contactor should be local, since they understand the law governing the area on buildings and renovations. For instance for a person living in Toronto, it is advisable to find a Toronto home renovations company for building or renovating purposes. When looking for a renovation contractor to do some building renovations, beware of owner-contactor matchmaking services that advertise the contractor members having been pre-screened, verified or certified with valid licenses. They can be misleading to the owner who can be allured by the false sense of security. One should know for instance, the difference between a certified and a registered contractor.

A registered contractor is registered with the Department of Business and Professional Regulation after accomplishing several competency requirements in some jurisdictions, thus can only work within the certified jurisdiction. When hiring contractors for building or renovating, one is encouraged to check the validity of their insurance, licenses, bonding and other essential credentials. Check out the references provided and enquire on recently accomplished tasks similar to the one at hand. This will give an impression of how the work might be once completed. Get the names of previous clients of the contractor in question contact them for information. It is wise to ask several questions before settling for one. Some of the facts to consider are whether the contractor is open to communication during the whole duration of the project and if the contractor can keep the owner informed on the project’s progress. Others include whether the workers will work promptly and if they clean up the site after each day’s job.

It is also wise to consider if the project will be completed on time and if there will be any unnecessary delays. It is advisable to look for recommendations from previous satisfied customers as well. If possible, one should visit the contractor’s former project to see the way building or renovating work was carried out. In Toronto, Ontario, Mississauga and other parts of Canada, numerous contractor companies perform a wide range of additions and renovations. Generally Toronto home renovations involve painting, cleaning, roofing among a host of other building renovations. There are also Toronto renovation internet sites that provide quotes from various renovation companies.

Rafi Ghanim Michael is owner and writer of videobabylon. Currently, he is writing on Renovation Contractor Toronto and Building renovations Toronto.

Find More : renovation contractor , home renovations , renovation companies , Contractor Renovation , Project Construction , Interior Home Design

Choosing Wedding Entertainment for Your Reception

So you've just got engaged! It's now time for the excitement to begin. You've got a wedding to plan! At this point you've probably got a lot of questions running through your mind. Where do you begin? What questions should I ask vendors? Where am I going to get the money? Wait, how much money are we talking about? On the contrary to what most couples believe, wedding planning can actually be fun. With proper planning and allocated time to complete it you can create your truly unique and exciting Chicago Wedding reception.

When it comes to the entertainment portion of your reception this should be treated with care as with all your other very important wedding details. The entertainment seems to be one of, if not the most important components to a reception. Sure, the food, decorations, and socialization are very important but without entertainment, these events would take on an entirely different personality.

For affairs that are focuses around the entertainment, or at least ones where it is responsible for a major role in the success or failure of the event, some serious considerations must be taken when hiring the right entertainment.

Will you find the right entertainment by hiring the one that answers the phone first or the one that has the lowest price or would you select one just because they live in your hometown? These are actually several things you should consider before selecting your entertainer:


  1. Is the entertainer experienced in providing services for your event type? This question can't just be answered in a yes or no question either. You'll want someone who knows the ropes. How much experience do you want your entertainer to have? Consider getting a list of references from previous clients.

  2. Who will actually be the entertainer at your event? Often times with larger multi-operational companies you won't actually know who your entertainer is until that night. Is this something you're willing to accept? Always ask this question when shopping for entertainment and make sure it's laid out clear and concise in your contract.

  3. What type of equipment do you deserve to have at your event? Imagine not being able to understand announcements or even worse hearing a hiss or buzz during your event. Imagine having part of your beautifully decorated event contain an eyesore of wires and beat up equipment. Another important face is just because an entertainer charges top dollar doesn't always mean they'll bring top dollar equipment to your event. Getting a picture of their setup is a must!

  4. What additional services are included other than just playing music? Will you need a master of ceremonies (emcee) at your event, a coordinator, or even someone to interact and participate with your crowd? Is your entertainer willing to step up to the plate and deliver those services? These can be important things to ask before your event. You'd hate to hire an entertainer who can't entertain.

  5. Is your entertainer and elegant public speaker? Do they speak in complete sentences without stuttering and using um and uh? Public speaking is said to be one of the number one fears in the United States. If someone isn't good at speaking in person odds are they won't be able to speak in front of your crowd. This is a very important aspect of the entertainer can be over looked.

  6. Is backup equipment provided and immediately available? As you know all electronics are man-made and with all man-made products they can fail. So it's important that your entertainer have not only backup equipment but also a backup plan. Ask your entertainer for their backup plan.

  7. What happens if the entertainer is ill or otherwise cannot attend your event? These details should be laid out in a written contract form with EVERY service provider. Always lay these things out prior to your event to prevent any situations later on.

  8. Is your entertainer insured? Every legitimate business has insurance. This may not seem important upfront, but heaven forbid something were to happen at your event. Are you willing to hire an entertainer without it? Ask your entertainer for his proof of property AND liability insurance.

  9. Are there any hidden additional charges or expected necessities from your entertainer? For example, are you required to pay a service charge for stairs at the reception hall? Or are you required to pay for their dinner? Will they need to take smoke breaks? If you're entertainer doesn't cover these issues in their sales pitch perhaps you should ask them.

  10. How much input will you be able to give on your music selection? This can also be a very important question when you're shopping for entertainment. Everyone has their own tastes and preferences when it comes to music. Will your entertainer be able to cater to those tastes or will they stick to their own routine. Also does your entertainer offer online music planning?

With so much riding on the success of your event your entertainment should never be over looked. There should be several factors that come into play rather than just price when shopping for your wedding entertainment. Don't ever be afraid to ask questions as the entertainment will have a direct impact on the entire success of your reception.


Stevie Dee

Stevie Dee works for Operation Getdown DJs. His company provides DJs and lighting for Chicago wedding receptions. Visit the following links for more info about the services we offer. Chicago DJ Blog or Chicagoland DJs

Find More : Entertainer, Entertainment Show , Clown Services , Magician Show , GREAT Entertainers , wedding entertainment

3 November 2009

Men's Carved Wedding Rings and Wedding Bands

Wedding rings are important part of every wedding event. The groom and the bride were pronounced as husband and wife after the event of sliding both wedding rings in each others finger. Sometimes, choosing a wedding ring for men can be very crucial. Simply because men are not usually fond of wearing jewelries unlike with women. For a simple man, they are contented of wearing the only jewelry they will ever wear for the rest of their life and that is their own wedding ring.

It is so common to see a man wearing a simple wedding band. Either made of the traditional metal bands for wedding rings which are yellow and white gold, platinum and titanium. Each has differences and great qualities to be considered as desirable type of bands for rings. Platinum is more expensive than yellow and white gold for it is the hardest metal on earth. White gold is modern and fashionable. Titanium weight so light that it would seem like you are not wearing a ring. Yellow gold is of course the traditional band for wedding rings.

While people are looking for something unique and different, there are persons who prefer to wear a traditional type of ring to represent their simple personality. A simple wedding band is one example. Men still chose a simple band than the modern rings. A simple thing can look elegant once you personalized it. A simple ring can be unique if you personalized it too. The options of personalizing your own ring includes choosing your own ring settings and band. Then carving or engraving your personal message follows. You can carved your spouse or your name, unforgettable date, a sweet message like the words " I love you,any design of art, an object or animals. Carving is an art that best expresses one's personality.

Carved wedding bands and wedding rings are popular when it comes to men's choice of rings. Simply because it is simple. In general, men just wear a ring if it is their wedding ring. It has to fit them comfortably for they will be wearing it for a lifetime. It has to be a ring with good quality. There are many choices for men's carved rings such as greek and celtic rings, art deco, milgrain, pattern, two- toned and texture. Any type of metal bands is desirable. A two-toned carved rings are also popular. It is usually a combination of yellow and white gold. The knot pattern is popular design for celtic rings. Greek rings represent ancient and greek designs, milgrain wedding bands features distinctive edges to compliment the entirety of the band, art deco is a decorative and architectural styles, while texture shows different textures carved on around the ring.

In choosing carved wedding rings, make sure you choose a metal band with good quality. A wedding band with good quality can truly last a lifetime. For a wedding ring is a token which represents both your love,care, fidelity and commitment as a couple.

Latoya Jones has been in the jewelry business for the past 20 years. An expert when it comes to polishing of Engagement Rings, Wedding Rings, rings and diamond rings. Also a consultant of marketing, advertising and merchandising.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Latoya_Jones

Latoya Jones - EzineArticles Expert Author

Find More : Orchestra Music , Music Wedding , Band Wedding , simple band