These stressful economic times have forced many people to tighten their budgets, cut down expenses, and find cheaper alternatives to goods and services. While there is nothing wrong with any of these practices, going about it the wrong way can ultimately cost you more than it should have to begin with. Predators are always on the lookout for unsuspecting homeowners that are unaware of the current laws and regulations that are there to protect them from deceptive practices. If you’ll like to see for yourself what I am talking about check MSNBC’s video expose “Home Wrecker” at http://video.msn.com/video.aspx?mkt=en-US&brand=msnbc&vid=c435f953-78e0-4716-a6d8-1a57f23b05ae you will be shocked to see just who you could be allowing to work on your property.
Every year, The New Jersey Division of Consumer Affairs receives thousands of complaints from consumers that have been taken advantage by unscrupulous contractors. Complaints range from failure to start or finish a project after taking a deposit, to missed deadlines and shoddy workmanship amongst many others. There is a way to minimize your exposure, protect yourself and weed out these so called “contractors”, and its called “The New Jersey Consumer Fraud Act”. This measure is designed to protect you, the consumer, from fraud, deception and misrepresentation. In addition to this, the “Contractor’s Registration Act” requires home improvement contractors to register with the state or they will not be issued municipal construction permits or be allowed to perform home improvement work in New Jersey.The contractor is required to file a disclosure statement with the Consumer Affairs director, stating whether he/she has been convicted of any crime.Any crime relating adversely to activities regulated by the Consumer Fraud Act will be grounds for denial of a Home Improvement Contractor license. A Home Improvement Contractor is an individual or company involved in many tasks which include but are not limited to renovating, installing, replacing, installing, constructing and demolishing residential or noncommercial properties. They include those who work on swimming pools, roofing, additions, patios, landscaping, painting and much more.
How can you protect yourself you ask? For starters be proactive, educate yourself on the task at hand and take the following steps to minimize your exposure:
Contact Consumer Affairs at 1-888-656-6225 to check that the contractor is registered and to see if there are any complaints filed against them.
Get written estimates from a few sources. This is where it gets tricky and you can become the victim of a deceptive “Low Baller”…. When comparing prices make sure the services and materials are comparable… if one of the bids is too low compared to the others, there must be a reason! Nobody works for nothing…therefore investigate before assuming you are getting a great deal.
Ask the contractor if they have Liability Insurance (as required by law), Worker’s Comp insurance and inquire if there will be subcontractors involved in the project. You as the homeowner is at the highest risk of losing the most if an accident happens and the contractor is not fully covered. Do not cut corners; protect your home and investment!
Ask for references. Speak to past clients; ask key questions such as job completion, unexpected costs, neatness and whether they would use the contractor again.
Ask about professional affiliations and confirm their status.
And most importantly…Do not pay for the entire project upfront. Typical payment arrangements are 1/3 deposit, 1/3 halfway through the job and the remaining third upon completion. While it’s NOT advised to pay in cash, if you do, make sure to obtain a detailed receipt with the date, all the company information, printed name and signature of the contractor.
Once you have secured the right contractor know the law and follow these steps:
Any projects over $500.00 require by law a written contract. The contract must include the business name, registration number, address, start date and completion date. In addition, the contractor must also provide you with a copy of his Certificate of Insurance, which should include all of the insurance company’s information for your review.
Request a detailed description of the project, name brands or quality of materials to be used. Also make sure all guarantees and/or warranties are included.
Ask for a lien waiver, which is a receipt stating that the workers or material suppliers will not ask you for money once you have paid the contractor.
If for any reason you wish to cancel the signed contract, you have up to midnight of the third business day after you receive the contract to do so. This must be done in writing, either personally delivered to the contractor or sent via registered or certified mail with a return receipt requested.
And lastly, make sure all applicable permits have been filed. Especially nowadays with the real estate and loan changes in place, a simple thing like this could obstruct the sale of your property in the future.
If you come across a problem with your project, always try to give the contractor a chance to resolve it. It could be a harmless oversight or a miscommunication issue. If you find the problem is not being resolved contact Consumer Affairs at 1-800-242-5846 and request a complaint form or file online at http://www.nj.gov/oag/ca/ocp/ocpform.htm
The following links will aid you in researching contractors:
Moral of the story…due your due diligence and shop the right way…do not assume the cheaper way is the best way to go. While there are many reputable companies out there that can offer better pricing than others, this is accomplished by their capacity at achieving efficiency, and leanness in their business structure and not because they are cutting costs and sacrificing the integrity of the project. An uninsured, unregistered contractor is not looking out for your best interests and could end up costing you much more money and heartache if the project goes awry. Times like this make people do desperate things, do not become the victim of a shady contractor.
As the weather warms up and with the Fourth of July festivities quickly approaching there are many wonderful eco-conscious décor ideas to help you create a memorable party. You can start by creating a festive atmosphere with energy conscious lighting and décor.Check out GKI Bethlehem’s 5” LED Starlight spheres; they are rated for indoor and outdoor use; come in Red/White and Blue and have 12” leads.Hang them from trees, or even create a canopy effect above open decks.
For decorating indoors, GKI’s LED Starburst light sets morph from Red to White and Blue; perfect for decorating porches and covered entrances.If you feel like you need more…wrap up your trees and cover your shrubs with GKI’s LED 5mm wide angle Flex-Change light sets.This product features removable and inter-changeable bulbs with corrosion proof fittings.It allows you the flexibility to create different color and bulb style light set combination. This is a great lighting choice for all season décor. So light your place up with abandon because not only are these lights awesome, but they are also Energy Star certified!
With the nation facing tough economic times, commercial clients will be gravitating towards conservative and classic themes that will convey the warmth and emotional appeal of the holidays.Less thematic displays have great appeal in that they can be used for many years and be updated and embellished in the future. With that said, this by no means reflects a cookie cutter look, but quite the opposite.Clients are looking for unique and interesting holiday displays to draw consumer traffic, focusing on quality not quantity.
Fiberglass pieces, overhead decor and displays that can adapt to a many areas have become a strong selling point. Clients are looking for displays that can be set up in a variety of locations, not just in the center court, in the event that the area might be leased out at a later date to temporary retailers or kiosks.
A smart way a commercial venue can reap the most benefits out of a holiday display is by utilizing large, attention-getting décor pieces placed at key locations. The displays should be visible from a distance and have impact so that they are remembered by consumers.
The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) with the cooperation of Universal Distribution Center LLC, of Edison, NJ announced on March 4th, 2009 a voluntary recall of the product called Holiday Ultra-Brights Lights.The recalled lights are 50 count strings in either clear or multicolored bulbs. The packaging is a white and red box with the item # (CH81648 or CH81658) written on the back above the bar code.The reason for the recall is that the light strings have undersized wires, which can easily pull out of the light sockets and plugs becoming exposed causing a risk of electric shock and fire hazard. The holiday light strings were sold for $2 in discount and dollar stores throughout New York, New Jersey, Connecticut and Pennsylvania from October 2008 through December 2008.So far, no incidents have been reported.Consumers are advised to immediately stop using the holiday lights in question and return them to the place of purchase for a full refund.
Light FX, LLC only uses commercial grade lighting and décor and does not sell or use the above mentioned product.Our goal is to make the public aware of products that may pose potential fire and electrical hazards so that they may be addressed prior to becoming a problem.
ColorWave LED’s, an exciting product in the market, uses multicolor LED’s to create wonderful lighting effects. It utilizes a micro-controller based circuit patented by Holiday Creations. This circuitry provides increased efficiency by directly controlling an alternating current (AC) source thus eliminating the need for transformers. Additionally, since the circuit uses AC current to control the LEDs, it allows for all other strings plugged into the same circuit and plugged in at the same time to be automatically synchronized.The durability and high efficiency of this product makes it well suited for year round use in commercial and residential decorating applications.
Rather than flashing abruptly from one color to the next, ColorWave’s individual lamps fade gradually between colors.Currently this product is available in different sizes and four color combination, Red/Green, Blue/Yellow, Blue/Green, and Red/Blue.An example of how this technology works goes like this:The Red/Blue starts red and gradually fades to blue passing through the intermediary colors that includes mauves and purples. Additionally, ColorWave LED’s come in commercial and retail sets.The commercial sets have an additional benefit not available in retail sets.They have a function adapter which allows for a pause at any color in the spectrum, as well as twinkle.So if you are someone who prefers the solid color option but would like to change colors often, this product would offer you all these benefits for one price.
Think of the wide range of holiday decorating possibilities this product has to offer! You are not only restricted to using them for Christmas decorating since they change color gradually, you can utilize them for 4th of July, St. Patrick’s Day, outdoor parties, graduations, etc. There is no end to their uses.
The Red/Blue sets would look great for decorating 4th of July festivities!Decorate tables, rooflines, porches.Lighting is one of the most important factors in creating a party’s atmosphere, with ColorWave’s; you’ll keep your guests in awe.
Hanukkah festivities… The Blue to white are perfect!They are both classy and mesmerizing.
For Christmas decorating, you could use ColorWave M5 lights to create a moving row of evergreen trees or shrubs. You could decorate an outdoor tree with large commercial shatterproof ornaments and light it up; the gradual color changes would accent your décor and make it look different with every color that goes by.
Not only are these LED lights beautiful, but they also save you money and provide you with a safer alternative to incandescent bulbs, due to them staying cool to the touch.They are energy efficient and built to last for many years, making them an ideal eco- friendly decorating product.So next time you contemplate lighting up one of your events call a professional holiday decorator and ask for this great product.You won’t be disappointed.
Tree skirts are becoming a focus of design interest, playing a prominent role in holiday decor. Consumers are purchasing tree skirts that complement their home décor and style as well as contribute to the presentation of their trees. Expensive materials such as velvets and silks are becoming quite popular options as well as larger sizes such as 60 inch and 72 inch.
Festive Partyware
A trend towards larger and more frequent gatherings is helping boost sales of products that help create a memorable party. The popularity of casual low key entertaining is creating a demand for whimsical themed earthenware and ceramic tableware in non-traditional colors. A definite trend is the pairing of black and white as well as the rustic look, which incorporates hollowed-out wood serving bowls and twig napkin rings.
Trendy Invitations
While the trend towards holiday decorating seems to be “casual”, the opposite speaks true for party invites. Rather than informing guests via phone or email, many consumers prefer to send written invitations. Among color combinations and motifs picked are red and gold, copper and blue, as well as embellishments such as boxwood, winter flowers and brocade.
This year, say suppliers of all holiday décor, commercial clients will be displaying larger scale displays and seasonal imagery designed to appeal to a broader range of cultures and religions. Clients are opting for cutting edge displays that convey the holiday spirit, utilizing jumbo size shatterproof ornaments and sculptures. They are attracting and retaining clientele while promoting holiday cheer by choosing more artistic and visually compelling displays.
Another popular trend is the use of wall décor such as sprays and wreaths, due to its high visual impact without taking up valuable store space.
Strip Centers are becoming more upscale, upgrading their general and holiday décor to better compete with the larger malls.
And lastly, LED’s are creating a lot of excitement amongst commercial clientele due to the product’s reliability and low energy usage, allowing for more intense lighting displays without having to spend on costly electrical upgrades.
Go “Green”- Resembling a woodland theme, this year’s green holiday décor would encompass the use of materials found in the natural world. Among the many options are wild birds, feathers, nests, deer and the use of flowers and foliage such as amaryllis, holly, hydrangea, eucalyptus and willow twigs.
Black and White - This color combination is hot this year. Popular ornaments icons such as snowflakes, snowmen, penguins could be easily incorporated into the white and black theme. A particular trendy look could be achieved by displaying white ornaments on a black tree or black ornaments on a white tree.
Monochromatic- Pick a color, any color and go to town with it! You can achieve a very elegant look by mixing different textures and sizes while staying within the same color family.
Cities and States- A casino tree (featuring cards, dice and money ornaments) will work in Atlantic City or another gambling spot; and a seaside tree (with fish, seahorses, starfish and corals) in a beach town. There are many retailers offering regional-themed decorations that can be further personalized, making them more locally focused.
Specific Interests- Trees are being used to convey a specific trade or hobby. A gardening theme for gardeners, an African heritage theme for African-American clients, a nativity theme for religious clients, a dessert treat theme for bakers. The possibilities are endless.
Looking Back in the Past- Victorian themes are a must, as well as less distant looks such as 1950’s, 1960’s and 1970’s. Licensed ornament collections from Kurt S. Adler include pop-culture items for any these eras. Themes that you might envision could include Elvis, “I Love Lucy” and “Betty Boop” amongst others.
The current growing interest in energy conservation and consumer awareness is bringing LED lights and lighted décor to the forefront. A new energy law just approved by Congress mandates that the incandescent bulb be phased off the U.S market beginning in 2012. Moving to more efficient lighting is one of the most cost efficient ways for our nation to reduce electricity use and greenhouse gas emissions that contribute to global warming. In fact, this change will lower consumer’s utility bills considering ninety percent of the energy burned by an incandescent bulb is wasted as heat.
Cool White LED’s are becoming trendier
Consumers are starting to appreciate the charm of the brighter cleaner white since the elimination of blue tones from the white LEDs. This new white perfectly complements snowy winter scenes, adding a higher level of elegance not achieved with warmer, yellow hued incandescent lighting.
Rainbow of Colors
Why settle for one color when you can have many? Holiday Creation’s LED Colorwave collection is designed so that each individual lamp fades gradually through the intermediary colors as it changes from one color to the next producing a magical lighting effect. Even better is this year’s addition of an eight function controller used to choreograph cascading colors in multiple strings.
Oh Scary Tree… Festive trees and ornaments aren’t just for Christmas anymore. There is a variety of twisted decorations available for Halloween. Think black fir trees, LED orange lights, and freaky ornaments. Check out these fun sites for some great ideas… www.slavictreasures.com and www.christmastraditions.com
Parties
With Halloween falling on a Friday this year, that means a week-end of partying! The focus is on dark and spooky with lots of realism. Throwing a party? Themed based parties are all the rage this year. Be on the lookout for more elaborate yard displays, complete with lighting, special effects and all kinds of frightful props. If you really want to splurge and create a memorable event, check out the insane and realistic props by Scare Factory and FrightProps, you won’t be disappointed.
According to the National Retail Federation’s 2006 Consumer Intentions and Actions Survey, Halloween continues as one of the biggest decorating holidays of the year, second to Christmas. Their survey states 67.0 percent of consumers plan to purchase Halloween decor and 48.6 percent plan to decorate their home or yard.
The spending increase is largely due to a surge in celebrating. The survey found Halloween’s popularity has increased among young adults who are celebrating with large parties, elaborate costumes and decor.
The ball that dropped in New York City’s Time Square to mark the start of this New Year was lit entirely by energy-efficient light-emitting diodes (LEDs). Redesigned for its centennial, the Times Square New Year’s Eve Ball now features 9,576 high-power Luxeon LEDs from Philips Lighting and can generate more than 16 million colors, allowing the ball to create billions of color combinations.
National Christmas Tree Joins Other Outdoor Light Displays in Using Energy-Efficient LEDs That Save Electricity-and Money
By Daniel LeDuc Washington Post Staff Writer Friday, December 7, 2007;
Page B01 It takes a while for a tree to be green. For decades, the National Christmas Tree was heartily chopped down from forests throughout the nation and trucked to the White House to be decked out in lights and ornaments. Then someone finally had the idea to plant the tree, so it would grow each year; the current tree has stood in place for 28 years. Yesterday, the Colorado blue spruce passed an ecological milestone. When President Bush flicked the switch, those were not filament-burning bulbs that bedazzled the thousands who thronged the Ellipse for the annual tradition; they were glowing, energy-efficient light-emitting diodes. It was a first for the national tree and part of a new holiday tradition throughout the region, as public Christmas displays switch to bulbs that illuminate by chemical reaction. The Christmas tree at the Capitol switched two years ago. All the Christmas lights in the Maryland State House and governor’s residence in Annapolis made the change this year. Same for some of the most popular, crowd-drawing displays in the area. The new display at the National Zoo is all LED, as is the Bull Run Festival of Lights in Centreville. The Garden of Lights at Brookside Gardens in Wheaton has exchanged nearly half of its 700,000 lights for LEDs and plans to complete the rest in the coming years. The Festival of Lights at the Mormon Temple in Kensington has replaced more than three-fourths of its half-million lights and hopes to finish the rest next year.
LED’s (Light Emitting Diodes) are rapidly replacing incandescent lighting in both decorative and commercial applications.
They achieve high brightness with only a small fraction of energy, using only a few Watts of power compared to conventional mini-lights consuming anywhere from 50 Watts per string of 100. The savings of up to 98% in electricity quickly add up.
LED lights may initially cost slightly more than conventional lights; but, they more than pay for themselves within a single season.
The many benefits of LED’s are:
Long life span - L.E.D. lamps are rated for up to 200,000 hours of use.
No filaments to burn out, therefore saving in maintenance costs.
Nearly indestructible, solid epoxy lenses, no glass bulbs to break.
Rust proof, Zinc-coated lamp contacts.
Added safety - Lamps always remain cool to the touch, regardless of how long they are left on.
Follow the example led by our nation’s capital. In 2006 the tree at United States Capitol Building used LED lighting. This year the tree at the White House will be lit by LED’s as well!
It’s no wonder LED’s are quickly becoming the lighting choice of businesses and homeowners alike!!!!
For more information on this subject, click here (PDF).
Elegant Dressings
This year, say suppliers of all holiday décor, commercial clients will be displaying larger scale displays and seasonal imagery designed to appeal to a broader range of cultures and religions. Clients are opting for cutting edge displays that convey the holiday spirit, utilizing jumbo size shatterproof ornaments and sculptures. They are attracting and retaining clientele while promoting holiday cheer by choosing more artistic and visually compelling displays.
Go “Green”- Resembling a woodland theme, this year’s green 
The current growing interest in energy conservation and consumer awareness is bringing LED lights and lighted décor to the forefront. A new energy law just approved by Congress mandates that the incandescent bulb be phased off the U.S market beginning in 2012. Moving to more efficient lighting is one of the most cost efficient ways for our nation to reduce electricity use and greenhouse gas emissions that contribute to global warming. In fact, this change will lower consumer’s utility bills considering ninety percent of the energy burned by an incandescent bulb is wasted as heat.
Oh Scary Tree… Festive trees and ornaments aren’t just for Christmas anymore. There is a variety of twisted decorations available for Halloween. Think black fir trees,