Top Five Mistakes Home Improvement

In recent years, I have asked hundreds of questions on home improvement, and I noticed that many of the results of the same mistakes. Understand it. While home improvement can be exciting and fun, it's not something you do every day. Most of the projects long trip airport on the way to completion and the trap is sometimes too easy to avoid.

Here are five simple home improvement ban drive around, ensuring that your project will be fled:

Mistake # 1: Painting Before Prepping

Cat offers one of the easiest and least expensive ways to change a room. And it looks so easy, right? Choose a color, open cans, brush and dunk on you are ready to run. This is why homeowners often skip the prep work painting.

Unfortunately, if the surface is not cleaned, patched, sanded and primed before, the disappointing results are sure to follow. Take the primer coat: Primer paint glue along the wall, make sure the color is going very well. Without it, carefully selected paint color will look uneven and started peeling off the walls, sending you back to the store for your second attempt.

One more thing: Before you choose a color, formulation research and Sheens that works best for your space and always go for the highest quality you can buy. A top-of-the-line finish takes beautiful, long-lasting and provide the best return-on-investment in the long run. Choosing the right finish for this project is also key. Semi-gloss look great in any trim but add even a slight sheen on the surface of the wall and you will see any imperfections that can be in the next hour day was cast over the surface. Select "washed" flat to wall, ceiling to paint the ceiling (it actually dripped a bit!) And you choose to shine trim, cabinet or wood.

Mistake # 2: Growing Without a Plan

This past weekend, as I looked around my local garden center to select the seeds for the summer garden, I remembered another common mistake that even I had to make: choosing the wrong plants for space. An easy place home and garden center, crammed beautiful bouquet and aroma of spring, garden inspiration gone. But do not fall victim to the excitement of choosing a marvelous leaves only to come home and find you have to hit your favorite flowers love the sun in the shade, or you've invested in a perennial that will meet the previously designated space fully mature.

Before you go to the garden center to make a list of what you want to plant and where it will go. Write the day and color patterns in your yard, planting space available to measure and follow the nursery label, detailing how many plants need light and water and how big they grow. As the saying goes, plan your work and work the plan. The result is a landscape that you can enjoy for years to come.

Mistake # 3: Under Insulating

I heard from a lot of green-loving homeowners about their big plans: They're talking about wind turbines, solar panels, geo-thermal wells, furniture hybrid. Although there is no reason not dream big dreams green project, it's just as important to ensure that you have the basics covered, such as adequate insulation. The right amount of insulation can reduce heating and cooling bills by 20 percent, not to mention, it is easier and cheaper to install than the average wind turbine you!

Insulation standards are changed periodically, which means that most homes are not nearly enough. Your attic should be between 19 and 22 inches of insulation blown-in or batt. If you are nervous about working with itchy insulation, look for poly-encapsulated products. It is encased in a plastic coating to reduce exposure to fiberglass particles. The "weave" of fiberglass itself is also longer and more like cotton, leaving fewer particles to escape into the air and respiratory irritant.

Mistake # 4: Calling the Contractor Too Fast

Even the most daring-do it yourself-ers are against a project that is outside of the set-kitchen update their skills, electrical work, to name a few. But smart homeowners build is complete, a comprehensive plan no matter how small adjustments. You may not need an architect to design a plan for the reconstruction of the shower, but you will find your desired cabinet, tile and fixture options and choice of finish. If you have not made this decision before you call a contractor, in processes for pricing based on what they want to believe rather than what you actually expect.

Set yourself up for a smooth process, more satisfying to build your own specs: Ideas and options products. Then you can give them to contractors for bid comparing apples-to-apples. By investing some thought and preparation in the beginning, you will get the best price on a home improvement eventually.

Mistake # 5: Getting Too Personal

Your home is a reflection of, your sense of values ​​and lifestyle choices. But if you want to sell your home, the important point to remember is that they are more unique and your choice is, the more can affect the value of the home.

For example, several years ago I was asked to check the house built by Rutgers University professor in New Jersey. He worried that the house was not sold and was wondering what the problem might be. Upon arrival, it became clear. He built the house in the form of geodesic! As an academic talent, I'm sure he found the house very inspiring. But for the average home buyer, too unbelievable.

The same thing can happen when making a choice of home decor. Beware the bold stroke that can be difficult to cancel, especially if you want to put your house on the market. To be honest, there's nothing better than selling the house neutral, the approach that we learned from the corporate migration took to sell a house fast. The first thing they did was to update the shell interior with white paint and neutral carpet. This does not mean you can not have fun with your decorating choices, consider only the choices that make you happy when you are there, as well as the future of home buyers who may not have a feel Your magnificent.

Entering the skills gap is our priority

THE skills gap and youth unemployment remains a major life issues in our region. Business committed to training and development of young people - as shown by the 84% increase in our region began an internship.

We need to take advantage of this to help create jobs for our youth and our region address the skills gap.

NECC has made a public commitment to encourage companies to work more closely with community education to help solve this problem.

Our priority skills build on Bridging the Gap report identifies skills gaps exist.

Core literacy, numeracy and communication skills are considered to be less and work skills.

Last Tuesday, the host NECC Bridging Skills Gap event in partnership with Gateshead College and the University of Teesside. The ground-breaking event held at Gateshead College Skills Academy for Sustainable Manufacturing and Innovation.

The name of this place can not exactly roll off the tongue, but its existence provides a clear example of the benefits of collaboration and demonstrates the success of achieving the same shot at Gateshead College and Nissan with their longstanding partnerships.

Gateshead College collaborative relationship with Nissan showcased in the organization of new recruits for existing employees.

This partnership has enabled each organization to stay on the cutting edge of their field. Obviously good advert for what can be achieved.

Nissan also highlights examples concerned the skills gap. The company will have to find new members from Eastern Europe because it has to meet the skills required in the North East.

Concrete examples needed to galvanize the region to take action and meet the skills gap now.

The Teesside University Simpsongroup showcased the partnership through knowledge transfer program - a three-way partnership between companies, graduates and academic staff at the university.

Knowledge transfer for businesses and universities. Again, this is a mutually beneficial relationship. With this latest partnership with Teesside University, Simpsongroup has developed a new IT system that enables diversification.

We are offering to push the agenda of skills and make a positive difference in the economy of the North East. I look forward to seeing what we can achieve.

Muckle LLP Commercial Law team scoops national award

Newcastle-based commercial law firm Muckle LLP won the title of Regional Law Office Attorneys Year Award 2012.

The judge said it took the award as the best Muckle from London because of the strategic delivery, consistent vision of excellent customer service, strong client base and spread the work, as well as excellent financial performance.

They were impressed with the commitment of Muckle LLP in the North East, while continuing to win national and international work.

And they recognize that commissioning Deloitte Muckle - to conduct a review of their work and market position - providing clear evidence of exceptional performance, especially compared to many major law firms in the UK.

Stephen McNicol, managing partner at Muckle LLP, said: "We are not the largest regional law firms, but we have a great team of people and some very interesting support and client.

"Over the last few years we have really focused on developing strong relationships and empower our people to provide the best advice and service they can.

"This award will recognize the success we have this approach.

Infrastructure fails moved by the Government

THE cost of the construction of infrastructure projects in the North East have failed to pick up during the second quarter of 2012, despite the Government's efforts to boost the sector through private sector investment. Infrastructure workload throughout the Northeast fell in the three months to June, according to the latest Royal Institution of Chartered Market Survey Construction Surveyor, and little improvement is now seen in the sector since 2007. This is despite efforts by the government to stimulate the economy through infrastructure projects are privately funded. Last November, Chancellor George Osborne announced plans to raise 20 billion pounds from pension funds to help fund government projects of high speed railway power station. The Government has signed a memorandum relating to the Pension Protection Fund (PPF) and the industry body, the National Association of Pension Funds (Napf) to launch infrastructure fund to invest in new projects. The low level of activity seen in the construction sector in the North East with 10% more respondents reporting falling rather than rising workloads. However, it is the public sector where the greatest pressure continues. Perhaps not surprisingly, given the economic climate, we expect revenue in the region continues to deteriorate, with net falls more than the national average. RICS said that it reflects the continued pressure on margins as input costs in the North East increased faster than output prices. Surveyors noted that increased competition will lead some companies to bid for work at below cost to secure the contract. The North West is one of the few places to see a decrease in workload with the North, Scotland and Northern Ireland, while the South, Midlands and Wales saw the number of stable jobs. Looking continue, despite a bleak picture for the sector during the three months to June, surveyors in the North East is optimistic, with a net balance of 21% more surveyors predicting workload will increase in the next 12months. Simon Rubinsohn, RICS chief economist, said: "The infrastructure workloads failed to take in the North East, despite the Government's efforts to boost the sector through private investment. "Action is needed to support the rhetoric for the construction industry to play a key role in driving the economy forward over the next few years. "Scary, benefits will continue to be squeezed into a couple of surveyors in the North East reported increased levels of competition led some companies to bid for work at prices below cost in order to secure the contract. ' Nationally, the RICS survey says 4% of respondents reported falling rather than rising workloads.

John Rudge cement his place in the history of bricklaying

A novice bricklayer won gold in the northern part of the Guild of Bricklayers Competition for the third year in a row. John Rudge, 21, from Hartlepool, was named the regional winner after being impressed by the selection panel to demonstrate its ability to develop specialist wall as part of the competition. Having recently completed his Level Three Diploma in Bricklaying trowel and work in Hartlepool College of Further Education and NVQ in construction, Rudge could not wait to start a full-time career in the building industry. Rudge, who worked as an intern at Yuill Homes' Cecil Court development in Hartlepool, said: "I am very pleased that won regional competitions. This is a great achievement for me to win once, became so successful in the competition for three years running really means a lot to me. "Working with the talented vendors in place with Yuill Homes over the past few years has helped me to improve as an apprentice bricklayer, and it is great to put what I learned in college skills. "I can not wait to start a full-time career in the building industry, and I hope to continue to develop my skills and experience." Working in partnership with Hartlepool College of Further Education, teaching methods Yuill Homes offers local trainees, working towards NVQ in development, the opportunity to gain on-the-job experience that is essential for the development of their skills, giving them a higher chance of having construction work in the future. Rob Burrell, head of production at home Yuill, said: "The reason why we have an award winning builder is not only because we pride ourselves on providing the highest quality, but we are sure that we apply The most talented traders to do the job. ' Graham McPhail, director of internships at Hartlepool College of Further Education, said: "Everyone at the college is pleased John well known big brick. He has shown what it takes to succeed with determination and a willingness to learn after recently become unemployed.

Looking after all your conference needs

THE Newcastle Marriott Gosforth Park Hotel combines leading edge technology with complete relaxation. Luxury here shame filled air of style and sophistication. Is a unique environment that inspires thoughts focused, creative and objective. This theme continues throughout, with 17 state-of-the-art conference suites and meeting rooms, all equipped with the latest technology. Choose from our 17 suites at the conference, meeting rooms and comfortable meeting rooms that can accommodate up to 800 guests all carefully designed to accommodate the most fascinating events or intimate. Outstanding equipment business, including a special 24-hour business center, high speed internet access, audio visual and concierge services are available for each event. With a team of experienced and expert support services, you are free to focus on things that really matter - hone your business strategy, make critical marketing decisions, to meet new clients or only recently achieved celebrate. From day one you will be given a special event organizers to assist with all your planning. The red jacket event manager will take care of every detail on the day. And to ensure that all sharing the same goals that they agreed Three Golden Key to you - it is your primary goal is to ensure your event's success.

Help businesses improve challenge

The Journal North East businesses are set to learn how to make money from climate change. The findings of the study saw the economic opportunities and implications of climate change in North East England announced on June 11. A free event in the morning, Making Money From Climate Change, will take place at the Discovery Museum in Newcastle and is set to share the results of the study, commissioned by ClimateNE. This includes cost benefit analysis necessary response to adaptation to climate change and the opportunities presented in the transition to a low carbon economy. Andrew Sugden, director of membership and policy in the East Chamber of Commerce, said: "Climate change is the second pressing issues facing the UK and other countries around the world, and is a real commercial opportunity for many companies. This event will not only launch the results of the main study but also provides information and practical assistance to businesses on how to identify new commercial opportunities associated with climate change can help their businesses become successful. "There will also be information on how businesses can save money by protecting themselves from the dangers of climate change and take charge of energy and carbon intensity. "This suggestion is also in the hands of how to access available grants, loans and other funds offered to help the business to gain maximum benefit from engaging with this agenda." The findings of the survey on business attitudes and perceptions of climate change in North East England, showing the current level of activity on a shared agenda. State Paul Watson, chairman of the Association of North East Council, said: "The regional government in North East England is committed to working with ClimateNE and the business community to build strength and natural resources our position as a leader in the low carbon economy in the future. "Climate change is a significant challenge, but with challenges come opportunities, such as the development of new green industries and the transition to a low-carbon economy, which will bring investment, jobs and skills. "The opportunity is an integral part of our vision for a sustainable future, not only to deal with the impacts of climate change, but as an integral part of our plans for economic recovery." Speakers include Ryan Maughan of Comesys Europe Ltd, Alice Owen from Arup, John Pettifer of the Federation of Small Businesses and John Barton of updating. Morning rounded lunch where delegates can talk to counselors and specialists from climate change and browse the exhibits. Confirmed exhibitors Link, Business in Resilience, Community Business and Climate Change Adaptation project, Community Energy Solutions, Elecscoot Ltd, Environment Agency, see, Federation of Small Businesses, the National Industrial Symbiosis Programme (NISP), North East of Chambers of Commerce, renew, Tees Valley Green Business Network and the effects of the UK Climate Programme (UKCIP), among others