Look for Recommendations and Read Reviews
Finding a trustworthy contractor is key to a successful remodel. Start by asking friends, family, and neighbors if they’ve had any work done recently and whether they’d recommend their contractor. You’ll often get the most honest feedback from people who have had firsthand experience.
Online reviews are also valuable; websites like Houzz, Google, and the Better Business Bureau are good resources. Look for a contractor with plenty of positive reviews and a good track record. Also, keep an eye out for any complaints and how (or if) they were resolved. It’s a good sign if a contractor handles issues professionally, as remodeling projects don’t always go perfectly smoothly.
We see a stronger, more self-sustaining future for British forests and woodlands. Through decades of research and forestry experience, our work is centred on developing more productive trees with greater resilience against pests and diseases.
Supporting the planting of improved broadleaves in the UK helps establish a generation of homegrown trees with advanced rates of carbon capture and provides high-quality timber for local supply. Minimising the need for timber imports not only strengthens British industry but helps fight overseas deforestation.
Goal 1 – Conduct research
Goal 2 – Increase our impact
Goal 3 – Sound governance
I’d like to continue the conversation I started earlier in the week about trust, especially in your professional life, when I mentioned the new book by Stephen M.R. Covey and Greg Link called
Here are excerpts from the book, which I recommend you get:
It’s a competency and a process that enables us to operate with high trust in a low-trust world. It minimizes risk and maximizes possibilities. It optimizes two key factors: (1) a propensity to trust and (2) analysis. Simply put, Smart Trust is
trust in a low-trust world. A Propensity to Trust The propensity to trust is the inclination, bias, or desire to trust people. As we observed in chapter two, young children typically have a higher propensity to trust. This propensity may be affected one way or the other by personal experience or conditioning. In our work, we see it powerfully affirmed—many times even restored—as people become more aware of high-trust individuals, teams, and organizations around the globe and the results of their high-trust interactions. The propensity to trust is primarily a matter of the heart. Having a high propensity to trust—extending trust deliberately and intentionally— is a vital dimension of Smart Trust . . . as long as it’s combined with equally high analysis. In our experience, those who have a low propensity to trust have usually had experiences that have decreased their willingness to extend trust. The propensity to trust almost always provides the best starting point of Smart Trust; in other words, we lead out with trust first. We don’t ignore analysis; we just suspend it. We approach situations with the belief that “most people are basically good,” and the reason we do this is because it opens up a whole new world of possibilities. -When participants in a recent Edelman Trust Barometer survey were asked, “When you think of good and responsible companies, how important is each of the following factors to the overall reputation of the company?” 91 percent gave high marks to the response “Is a company I trust.” So what creates a brand that inspires trust? Brand experts point to two key elements, which are represented in the twin behaviors of “say” and “do”:
(or the declaration of intent that inspires hope) and
(the fulfillment of the declaration, or doing what they say they’re going to do). -According to Canadian economist John Helliwell, the number one factor linked to happiness—even more than income and good health—is relationships of trust. In
Shawn Achor pointed out that “social relationships are the best guarantee of heightened well-being and lowered stress, both an antidote for depression and a prescription for high performance.” He described the Harvard Study of Adult Development, which tracked the lives of 268 men from entering college in the late 1930s to the present day. The results showed that “there was one—and only one—characteristic that distinguished the happiest 10 percent from everybody else: the strength of their social relationships.” At the core of strong and enduring relationships is trust, while the very definition of a bad relationship is “little or no trust.” Based on their research, Paul J. Zak and Ahlam Fakhar conclude that “While increasing incomes are only weakly associated with increased happiness, the neuro-scientific evidence suggests that there are bidirectional feedbacks between happiness and trust.”
By joy, we simply mean happiness, fun, satisfaction, and what psychologist Dr. Martin Seligman calls “flourishing.” For many people around the world, happiness is the most important goal in life. As we work with teams and organizations worldwide, people don’t necessarily use the word “joy” in describing high-trust relationships at work, but you can see it—or the lack of it—in their faces. When people talk about low-trust relationships, you see tension, sorrow, pain, and sometimes even fear. When they talk about high-trust relationships, everything changes—eyes light up, smiles appear, people become animated, and conversation focuses on the positive outcomes that bring happiness.
Nowhere does trust change energy in organizations more than in employee engagement. Although there are numerous drivers of engagement, the two biggest drivers are: (1) the relationship of trust employees have with their supervisor, and (2) the trust they have for the organization at large. A 2008 Dublin City University Business School study shows that trust and engagement create a virtuous, upward, mutually reinforcing cycle—in other words, as trust goes up in an organization, so does engagement; and as engagement goes up, so does trust. -Other research shows a similar phenomenon playing out among nations. In a landmark 2001 study of forty-one countries, economists Paul Zak and Stephen Knack identified a clear and direct correlation between the level of trust within a given country and the economic growth and investment in that country, concluding that “investment and growth improve with trust.” -The research of Joachim Klewes and Robert Wreschniok from Ketchum Pleon shows that the benefits of reputation for companies include significant competitive advantage in a number of areas, including customer and employee loyalty, stock market performance, and talent and investor attraction. According to Wreschiniok, “A recent study by Harvard Business Manager places reputation among the five most important intangible corporate assets, together with customer satisfaction, employee satisfaction, brand and corporate culture—well ahead of patents and licenses.” In addition, a 2009 study by Concerto Marketing Group found that 83 percent of people who trust a brand will recommend it to others, while 50 percent will actually pay more for its products and services.
In order to increase influence and grow trust in a team, an organization, a community, a family, or a relationship,someone has to take the first step. That’s what leaders do. They go first. They lead out in extending trust. In fact, the first job of a leader is to inspire trust, and the second is to extend it. This is true whether a person has a formal leadership role, such as CEO, manager, team leader, or parent, or an informal role of influence, such as work associate, marriage partner, or friend. -The potential of the renaissance of trust has dramatically increased in today’s flat, global, transparent, interdependent, connected, networked world of instantaneous communication. As Facebook founder Mark Zuckerberg presciently commented in 2008:
Today’s technology is creating a profound shift, a veritable sea change in how the world operates by dramatically enhancing engagement and empowerment, particularly among youth. Consider what is happening in Egypt, Tunisia, Syria, Yemen, Libya, and elsewhere in the so-called Arab spring, with its uprisings inspired by freedom and autonomy and enabled by social media. Although the final outcomes are unclear, the process of social change has been altered forever. The Internet not only democratizes information, it also facilitates a different-in-kind level of transparency. The result is the creation of conditions in which people, organizations, and even governments are held accountable in a way that they haven’t been, and couldn’t be, before. In today’s society, where collaboration reigns and our reputations precede us, everything centers around the primacy of trust. As we’ve said, it’s the new currency, the new money. It’s what enables the markets to work. -These “economics of trust” play out time and again in the market. According to a Watson Wyatt study, high-trust organizations outperform low-trust organizations in total return to shareholders (stock price plus dividends) by 286 percent. A similar study analyzing
magazine’s 100 Best Companies to Work For, which acknowledges trust as two-thirds of the criteria, showed that those high-trust organizations outperformed the market over the thirteen years of the study (from 1998 to 2010) by 288 percent. Pete
Once I gave the headphones a thorough once-over exam, I tried them on. As I mentioned, they have a classic over-the-ear style and just looking at them, the padding on the ear pieces seem adequate and the peak of the headband seemed to be a bit lacking, but you don’t really know comfort unless you try on the product. So, I slipped the headphones on and found them to be exquisitely comfortable. Once I gave the headphones a thorough once-over exam, I tried them on. As I mentioned, they have a classic over-the-ear style and just looking at them, the padding on the ear pieces seem adequate and the peak of the headband seemed to be a bit lacking, but you don’t really know comfort unless you try on the product. So, I slipped the headphones on and found them to be exquisitely comfortable.
If no one hates you, no one is paying attention. If attention is what you want for vanity, confidence, or, hell — to make a decent living — then know that it’s not instantaneous. Every single person that you’re currently paying attention to, at some point in their lives, was in your exact position. They kept at it and worked enough so that others started listening. Also know that if no one is watching, you can experience true freedom. Dance in your underwear. Write entirely for yourself. Like there’s a going-out-of-business sale. Find yourself — not in some coming-of-age hippie way involving pasta and ashrams— but in a way that helps you draw your own line in the sand for what matters and what doesn’t. Do what you want to do, just because you want to do that thing. This will build confidence that will come in handy later.
The renowned Global Musical ensemble whose songs have blessed lives “TRUST (Trinity Youth Symphony Orchestra)” perform a song which you will surely enjoy titled “Perahu Kertas“.
Get Audio Mp3, stream, share, and be blessed.
Discuss Your Timeline and Their Availability
Home remodels can disrupt your family’s routine, so it’s essential to know how long the project is expected to take. A good contractor should be able to provide a timeline for each stage of the work, from demolition to final touches. They should also be clear about their availability—some contractors may be booked months in advance, and if you’re on a tight schedule, that could be an issue.
Ask if they’ll be working on other projects at the same time. While it’s normal for contractors to have multiple jobs, you want to ensure they can dedicate enough time and attention to your kitchen remodel.
Make Sure They’re Licensed and Insured
A legitimate contractor should hold all the necessary licenses and insurance. Licensing requirements vary by state, so do a quick check on what’s required where you live. If a contractor is licensed, it’s a good indication that they’re up to date with the latest building codes and standards.
Insurance is also non-negotiable. Ask to see proof of liability insurance and workers’ compensation. This protects you from liability if there are accidents or damages during the project. If a contractor balks at providing this information, consider it a red flag and move on. If looking to do a kitchen remodel in St. Louis, consider St. Louis Kitchen Remodel Co.
Evaluate Their Experience and Specializations
Not all contractors are the same. Some specialize in bathrooms, others in whole-house remodels, and some focus on kitchens. Look for someone with a proven track record in kitchen remodeling specifically, as this type of project involves both structural work and design finesse. An experienced kitchen remodeler will have the know-how to deal with plumbing, electrical, and cabinet installation requirements.
Don’t be afraid to ask for examples of past projects similar to what you want. A reputable contractor will have a portfolio of completed work to share and may even have references from previous clients. Contact these references and ask about their experiences working with the contractor.
Define Your Goals and Budget
Before you even start looking for a contractor, it’s essential to sit down and decide what you want to achieve with your remodel. Do you want more counter space, updated appliances, or a complete layout change? By being clear on your goals, you can communicate your vision better to any potential contractors. Along with goals, set a realistic budget that includes not just the contractor’s fees but also materials, potential surprises, and contingency funds.
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The Land Trust's 2016 January Nature Night is all about Salmon in the Deschutes. Want to brush up on your salmon facts before then? Here are 10 facts about salmon that you may not have known:
1. Chinook are the largest of the Pacific salmon we see in the Northwest. Their large size allows them to spawn in larger gravel than most other salmon. Pink salmon are the smallest.
2. Chinook can live up to nine years and can grow to be more than 100 lbs! These bigger fish are rare, and most mature Chinook are under 50 lbs.
3. On average, salmon live 4-5 years, but can live up to 7 years.
4. There are 8 species of Pacific salmon: Chinook, Coho, Chum, Sockeye, Pink, Steelhead trout, Masu and Amago salmon (two Asian species).
5. Salmon species have adapted to use virtually every part of every stream in the Northwest. For example, Pink salmon tend to prefer the lower reaches of bigger rivers like the Lower Columbia River. Chinook salmon will use the main stem of a river like the Deschutes and its larger tributaries like Whychus Creek. Coho prefer smaller tributaries.
6. Salmon change color to attract a spawning mate, and many male salmon develop a hooked jaw during spawning called a kype. Those salmon with the larger kype have been said to be dominant over those with a smaller kype.
7. Female salmon can have between 1500 and 10,000 eggs and only 0-10 of these eggs will survive to be adults. On average, two adults per spawning pair are produced.
8. Chinook rear in freshwater from 3 months to a year. Spring Chinook and fish in northern areas tend to stay in streams for a year.
9. Salmon are considered a keystone species--a species on which other species in nature depend. Not only do salmon provide nutrients for streams and rivers because they die after they spawn, they are also a key part of the diet of other land-dwelling wildlife. Studies have shown that salmon play an important role in returning nutrients to forests by other animals dragging salmon carcasses from the stream and into the forest to eat. When keystone species are removed from their habitats, many parts of the natural system begin to change. Other examples of keystone species include beavers and wolves.
10. Chinook salmon make up 80% of the summer diet of killer whales in the Pacific Northwest, telling us that salmon habitat restoration in Central Oregon has implications as far away as the Pacific Ocean. Our waters are all connected!
Land Trust properties are an important part of salmon recovery in Oregon. The waters of Whychus Creek, Lake Creek, Crooked River, McKay Creek, and others play a vital role in the spawning and rearing of ocean-going fishes. Restoration of fish habitat along these waterways has been our focus, and continues to be through the Campaign for Whychus Creek.
USGS Western Fisheries Research Center: http://wfrc.usgs.gov/outreach/salmon.html
Port Gamble S'Klallam Tribe: http://www.pgst.nsn.us/content/pdfs/SalmonFacts.pdf
Posted on November 5, 2024 Updated on November 5, 2024
As mothers and homemakers, we often spend a great deal of time in the kitchen. It’s where we prepare meals for our families, help with homework, and sometimes even host gatherings with friends. Remodeling a kitchen can bring so much joy and functionality to your home, but it’s a big undertaking. One of the most important steps is choosing the right contractor to bring your vision to life. After going through my own kitchen remodel, I’ve put together some tips to help you navigate this process so you can make informed choices and avoid the headaches that can come with home renovation projects.
Maintain Open Communication
Communication is key in any project, especially one as important as your kitchen. Make sure you have regular check-ins with the contractor to address any questions or concerns. Many issues can be resolved early if you and your contractor stay on the same page.
Some contractors provide an online portal or app where you can track the progress and communicate about project updates. This can be helpful in keeping everything organized and up to date.
Remodeling your kitchen is a significant investment, but the joy of having a beautiful and functional space is worth the effort. By carefully selecting the right contractor, you can turn your dream kitchen into a reality without the stress and worries. Remember, a remodel should improve your quality of life, so take your time, do your research, and don’t rush the process. Happy remodeling!
Get a Detailed Contract in Writing
Once you’ve found a contractor you feel comfortable with, make sure all the project details are outlined in a written contract. This should include:
A written contract protects both you and the contractor by setting clear expectations. It’s also a good idea to review this document thoroughly before signing and don’t hesitate to ask questions about anything that seems unclear.
