A payback analysis every energy conscious consumer should consider
There are a lot of tankless water heater manufactures claiming a wide range of savings on your next water heating bill. A quick search on the web will show you a percent reduction of up 80%.
However the question still exists: how much would you really save on your water heating bill using a tankless water heater?
Most importantly what is the payback or ROI of the average tankless water heater and how does it compare to a traditional tank hot water system? Let us try to answer these questions.
Annual costs associated with water heaters of any type are divided into 3 categories:
1. Energy costs to heat the water from its incoming temperature to the desired temperature.1
2. Standby energy costs: in the case of traditional tank heaters, standby cost is the cost of the energy to keep the water hot in the tank all day. For a tankless water heater standby cost is the cost of energy when the tankless water heater is running idle (minimal).
3. Installation costs: This is the cost to install the heater and all its piping system
So let us examine these costs for both traditional tank heaters and tankless water heaters in detail.
Average Annual Traditional Tank Heater Costs
• Annual hot water demand: 87 gallons / day x 335 days / year = 29,145 gallons/ year2
• Power to heat up 1 gallon of water from 57 oF to 110 oF according to the multi-housing laundry association is 0.2 kWh
• The annual power requirement of heating the water from 57 oF to 110 oF for an American household is: 29,145 gallons/ year x 0.2 kWh/ gallon = 5,900 kWh/ year
• The cost of 5,900 kWh: 5,900 kWh/ year x $0.11/ kWh = $649/ year3
• The cost to keep one gallon of water hot is $0.003
• So, the cost to keep 21,145 gallons of water hot (standby): 21,945 gallons/ year x $0.003/ gallon = $87
So the total annual cost of heating water using a traditional tank system is $649 + $85 or $736.
Average annual tankless water heater costs
• Average energy to heat water to 110 oF is 6.2 kW
• Average daily usage is 1.5 hours4
• Daily power needed to heat the water to 110F is: 1.5 hours x 6.2 kW = 9.3 kWh
• Annual costs to heat water using a tankless water heater is: 9.5 kWh/ day x 335 days/ year x $0.11/kWh = $343
• Average annual idle cost for a tankless water heater: $17
So the total cost of heating water using a tankless water heater is $343 + $17 or $360.
What do these numbers mean?
1. The percent annual savings using a tankless water heater over a traditional tank system is 50% or $375
2. This amount ($375) is equal to the cost of an average mid-size tankless water heater. Please note: Installation costs were found to be comparable for both tank and tankless systems, ~$150.
3. In addition there is the potential for tax credits for any tankless water heater. (Please visit http://www.energy.gov/taxbreaks.htm for more information )
4. Given the longer life of a tankless water heater at 22 years versus a tank system 10 years there is the potential of saving over $4,000 over the long term.
Notes:
1. The incoming water temperature from which the Department of Energy (DOE) calculations are made, has been established at 57F. In many parts of the U.S. one does not normally experience inlet temperatures this cost year round however, we used 57F as our inlet temperature. 110 oF is the average household hot water operating temperature. This translates to 53 degrees of temperature rise for both tank and tankless water heating systems
2. According to the U.S. Department of Energy (July 2006) the average American household consumes 87 gallons of hot water per day
3. Average cost of electricity for the United States at the time of writing, is $0.11 kWh, as per the DOE.
4. Based on a DOE report July 2006.
Disclaimer: The information on the system, product or material presented herein is provided for informational purposes only. Please ensure that you consult a qualified technician prior to installing a tankless water heater or any suggestions put forward by e-Smart Living.There are no warranties, either expressed or implied, regarding the accuracy or completeness of this information
Friday, June 29, 2007
Thinking About A Major Remodeling?
You might be looking around your home and say, “This place is so outdated, it’s time to fix it up.” And so you might go to the library for information on how to design and plan a home improvement; how to deal with the city building department; how to do tear out—and where to dispose of debris; how to do carpentry, electrical, plumbing, dry wall, painting . . . Hmmmmm . . . Perhaps you will hire somebody to do this, instead.
Whether you decide to do it yourself or decide to hire a contractor, the first thing you have to do is clear all your stuff out of the area that is going to be remodeled. Take a deep breath and get ready for MESS. Having had my own kitchen extensively remodeled, I know how stressful it is to have one’s house torn up. Our home is our safe place. Even if it is an ill-suited, messy nest, it is our shelter; and we have strong feelings about that shelter.
I think the time it takes to complete the job has a big impact on weather you think it was worth it when completed. In order to get the job done in as short a time as possible, whoever does the job, a home owner or a contractor has to plan in advance. Make a schedule of every action before starting.
There is a list of things needed in every job. One important item not to forget is to make sure you order all the materials in advance especially the cabinets. Don’t do anything till you open the boxes and inspect the contents for damage and to make sure the correct model and color cabinets are there. Make sure there are enough cabinets and moldings. You don’t want to have to stop and order anything in the middle of the project and have to wait 2 weeks for something.
1. Empty all the cupboards and closets. This may take a couple days
2. Demolish the cupboards and counter tops. – Don’t forget this includes cutting up the debris to fit in garbage bags and carrying around or loading into a dumpster. Probably a couple days.
3. Demolish all the drywall or plaster and put in bags. Don’t forget old drywall and all plaster is loaded with asbestos. Maybe a day.
3 Remove all the old wiring and pipes that won’t be needed.
4 Remove all the old flooring. This too may have asbestos. Pay attention to the wall heights at this point, especially if you will be having any full height cabinets later. This can take 2 full days.
5 Rough plumb and rough wire for the new utilities and be sure to install what ever tin work for moved heating or microwave vents. This could take several days.
6. Change out any windows and door openings. This can take several days.
7. Install the new drywall. This can take as long as a week.
8. Paint on special drywall primer. A day to dry.
9. Install sub floor (and finish floor if using ceramic). Another week maybe.
10 Install the cabinets then the counter tops. If the counter tops are made by someone else this is 2 days.
11 Small misc. jobs and clean up and trim A couple days.
Even a careful crew makes noise as they tear out drywall and flooring. Though they lay down plastic and tarps, they will be tracking endlessly through your house—the door will seem never to be closed!
Kitchens are particularly difficult to bear with. My appliances and table were in the living room. I washed dishes in the laundry room sink, and cooked with small electrical appliances on the washer and dryer. Everything was misplaced.
And then the drywall was taped and sanded. Even though plastic was taped to the walls to keep the dust from the rest of the house; dust still found its way into rooms it had no business being in!
The stress of spending money, having to work your schedule around other people, noise, distraction, dust, endless discussions and decisions; it is stressful—be prepared! There is no getting around it, construction is messy.
But the result is SO worth it. Having a beautiful new room that works efficiently. New appliances, new plumbing, new lighting. It just feels good! You will forget the aggravation and difficulty of the remodeling phase as you take delight in your new skylight, or Jacuzzi, or shower, or kitchen, or fireplace. Pleasure in your remodeling job lasts a long time. It is all worth while.
As you can see this is about a month long process for a full time crew.
Whether you decide to do it yourself or decide to hire a contractor, the first thing you have to do is clear all your stuff out of the area that is going to be remodeled. Take a deep breath and get ready for MESS. Having had my own kitchen extensively remodeled, I know how stressful it is to have one’s house torn up. Our home is our safe place. Even if it is an ill-suited, messy nest, it is our shelter; and we have strong feelings about that shelter.
I think the time it takes to complete the job has a big impact on weather you think it was worth it when completed. In order to get the job done in as short a time as possible, whoever does the job, a home owner or a contractor has to plan in advance. Make a schedule of every action before starting.
There is a list of things needed in every job. One important item not to forget is to make sure you order all the materials in advance especially the cabinets. Don’t do anything till you open the boxes and inspect the contents for damage and to make sure the correct model and color cabinets are there. Make sure there are enough cabinets and moldings. You don’t want to have to stop and order anything in the middle of the project and have to wait 2 weeks for something.
1. Empty all the cupboards and closets. This may take a couple days
2. Demolish the cupboards and counter tops. – Don’t forget this includes cutting up the debris to fit in garbage bags and carrying around or loading into a dumpster. Probably a couple days.
3. Demolish all the drywall or plaster and put in bags. Don’t forget old drywall and all plaster is loaded with asbestos. Maybe a day.
3 Remove all the old wiring and pipes that won’t be needed.
4 Remove all the old flooring. This too may have asbestos. Pay attention to the wall heights at this point, especially if you will be having any full height cabinets later. This can take 2 full days.
5 Rough plumb and rough wire for the new utilities and be sure to install what ever tin work for moved heating or microwave vents. This could take several days.
6. Change out any windows and door openings. This can take several days.
7. Install the new drywall. This can take as long as a week.
8. Paint on special drywall primer. A day to dry.
9. Install sub floor (and finish floor if using ceramic). Another week maybe.
10 Install the cabinets then the counter tops. If the counter tops are made by someone else this is 2 days.
11 Small misc. jobs and clean up and trim A couple days.
Even a careful crew makes noise as they tear out drywall and flooring. Though they lay down plastic and tarps, they will be tracking endlessly through your house—the door will seem never to be closed!
Kitchens are particularly difficult to bear with. My appliances and table were in the living room. I washed dishes in the laundry room sink, and cooked with small electrical appliances on the washer and dryer. Everything was misplaced.
And then the drywall was taped and sanded. Even though plastic was taped to the walls to keep the dust from the rest of the house; dust still found its way into rooms it had no business being in!
The stress of spending money, having to work your schedule around other people, noise, distraction, dust, endless discussions and decisions; it is stressful—be prepared! There is no getting around it, construction is messy.
But the result is SO worth it. Having a beautiful new room that works efficiently. New appliances, new plumbing, new lighting. It just feels good! You will forget the aggravation and difficulty of the remodeling phase as you take delight in your new skylight, or Jacuzzi, or shower, or kitchen, or fireplace. Pleasure in your remodeling job lasts a long time. It is all worth while.
As you can see this is about a month long process for a full time crew.
Keeping Dust Under Control with a Dust Spray
For those with allergies or asthma, keeping dust under control is essential to overall health. It is also a good idea for those without any health problems and a buildup of dust can cause cold-like symptoms if breathed in too much. Additionally, too much dust attracts other nuisances such as dust mites, which live in dust and can spread to other parts of your home. A dust spray can help prevent dust from flying around in the air as you clean, making cleanup much more effective and sanitary.
Dust mites do not simply live in the layer of dust across the uppermost shelf in your home. They also live in bedding, couches, carpet, stuffed toys and old clothing, and are similar in appearance to spiders or ticks--although they cannot be seen by the naked eye. There are two types of dust mites, American and European house dust mites. As you may know, much of what we see as dust is actually dead skin that we people shed on a regular basis. Dust mites feed off of dead skin and other organic materials in dust.
You may have dust mites and not know it--only people who are allergic will react to dust mites. Dust mites also shed their skin, and people who are allergic react to this dead skin and dust mite feces. Reactions can range from a runny nose to a severe asthma attack. Dust mites can be difficult to get rid of, and they prefer humid environments, so avoid using humidifiers if you have a dust mite problem. For people with sever reactions, measures that are more drastic may be required, such as encasing bedding in plastic covers and removing draperies. For those with less serious reactions, a regular control program can make a big difference. Using a spray for dust mites is one method to keep the problem under control. Dust spray binds the dust, making it easier to clean and remove. It can also be used on multiple surfaces, such as floors, shelves, furniture, window blinds, lamps, picture frames, and more. Dust mite spray allows you to clean all over the house and reduce the chances of dust mites spreading.
Because dust spray helps keep dust "together," it can be used with a wide range of dusting tools, which makes cleaning easier because you can use a long-handled duster in combination with a dust spray and not worry about the dust falling back to the floor. Instead, it will be trapped in the duster by the dust spray. Be sure to clean your dusting tools effectively, particularly if you have a dust mite problem and are using a dust mite spray. After dusting, take the tools outside away from the house. Give the tools a good shake to remove the dust from the tool. Avoid banging the tools on the wall or concrete, as this can damage them. Depending on the tool you use, you may be able to wash the duster. Using a dust spray in combination with a synthetic duster can be a great solution to a dust mite problem. A spray for dust mites binds the dust, and the synthetic cleaner can be washed afterward with warm, soapy water. Be sure to store your dusters in a way that keeps pressure off the dusting head, as this can damage them. Dust spray also works great with dusting cloths, and these can be machine washed afterward.
Even when using a dust spray, it is a good idea to use top-down cleaning. Start with the uppermost areas and work your way down. This way, should any dust float downward, you can "catch" it as you work from the upper shelves or taller furniture down to the lower shelves and furniture. To minimize "losing" some dust, spray your tool directly with the dust spray rather than spraying the furniture directly. The pressure from the sprayer can blow dust away on furniture, but this will not happen when spraying the cleaning tool.
To keep dust and dust mites under control, dust with a dust spray every time. Even if there is no visible dust, that does not mean it is not there. Dust mites cannot be seen by the naked eye, so regular cleaning is essential. Also, consider using other preventative measures such as an indoor air filter. A filtered vacuum can also help keep the problem under control.
Dust mites do not simply live in the layer of dust across the uppermost shelf in your home. They also live in bedding, couches, carpet, stuffed toys and old clothing, and are similar in appearance to spiders or ticks--although they cannot be seen by the naked eye. There are two types of dust mites, American and European house dust mites. As you may know, much of what we see as dust is actually dead skin that we people shed on a regular basis. Dust mites feed off of dead skin and other organic materials in dust.
You may have dust mites and not know it--only people who are allergic will react to dust mites. Dust mites also shed their skin, and people who are allergic react to this dead skin and dust mite feces. Reactions can range from a runny nose to a severe asthma attack. Dust mites can be difficult to get rid of, and they prefer humid environments, so avoid using humidifiers if you have a dust mite problem. For people with sever reactions, measures that are more drastic may be required, such as encasing bedding in plastic covers and removing draperies. For those with less serious reactions, a regular control program can make a big difference. Using a spray for dust mites is one method to keep the problem under control. Dust spray binds the dust, making it easier to clean and remove. It can also be used on multiple surfaces, such as floors, shelves, furniture, window blinds, lamps, picture frames, and more. Dust mite spray allows you to clean all over the house and reduce the chances of dust mites spreading.
Because dust spray helps keep dust "together," it can be used with a wide range of dusting tools, which makes cleaning easier because you can use a long-handled duster in combination with a dust spray and not worry about the dust falling back to the floor. Instead, it will be trapped in the duster by the dust spray. Be sure to clean your dusting tools effectively, particularly if you have a dust mite problem and are using a dust mite spray. After dusting, take the tools outside away from the house. Give the tools a good shake to remove the dust from the tool. Avoid banging the tools on the wall or concrete, as this can damage them. Depending on the tool you use, you may be able to wash the duster. Using a dust spray in combination with a synthetic duster can be a great solution to a dust mite problem. A spray for dust mites binds the dust, and the synthetic cleaner can be washed afterward with warm, soapy water. Be sure to store your dusters in a way that keeps pressure off the dusting head, as this can damage them. Dust spray also works great with dusting cloths, and these can be machine washed afterward.
Even when using a dust spray, it is a good idea to use top-down cleaning. Start with the uppermost areas and work your way down. This way, should any dust float downward, you can "catch" it as you work from the upper shelves or taller furniture down to the lower shelves and furniture. To minimize "losing" some dust, spray your tool directly with the dust spray rather than spraying the furniture directly. The pressure from the sprayer can blow dust away on furniture, but this will not happen when spraying the cleaning tool.
To keep dust and dust mites under control, dust with a dust spray every time. Even if there is no visible dust, that does not mean it is not there. Dust mites cannot be seen by the naked eye, so regular cleaning is essential. Also, consider using other preventative measures such as an indoor air filter. A filtered vacuum can also help keep the problem under control.
More Home Improvement Projects That Sell!
More Home Improvement Projects That Sell!
Do you want to fix up your home? Maybe you want to increase the comfort, or maybe the value and sale ability? A simple home improvement project can be an easy way to increase the appeal of your home. There are some easy ways to improve and increase the value of your home. The do-it-yourself homeowner who enjoys home improvement projects can do these projects. A home improvement project does not have to take a lot of time or money in order to bring great benefit – increase the comfort and value of your home.
Home Improvement Project – Kitchen
Simply paint the kitchen cabinets. A very simple kitchen home improvement project that most anyone can do is to repaint the cabinets. A dull, lifeless kitchen can easily be brought back to life by a new coat of paint on the cabinets. Select a bright, crisp color and a new coat of paint on the cabinets will change the look of any kitchen. With the sharpness of the new paint, the kitchen will appear and feel larger. It will look clean and fresh.
Also, consider changing the cabinet hardware. This is a finishing touch that will complete the cabinet improvement. Cabinet hardware can become dull and worn over a long life of use. This simple change alone will dramatically improve the look of your kitchen.
Home Improvement Project – Flooring
Old, worn carpet is thin, hard and makes a home look dirty and dungy. Replace old carpet with new in your next home improvement project. New carpet adds a soft touch. It looks good and insulates to some extent. If you have a limited budget, purchase good carpet padding and an inexpensive carpet. The result will be a thick expensive feel.
Home Improvement Project – Light Fixtures
Change light fixtures in your home. A simple home improvement project that anyone can do is change light fixtures. Start with the most out of date fixtures, maybe the kitchen or bathroom fixtures. With age brass fixtures dull and globes become dirty, drab and cloudy. Replace these fixtures and notice the warmth and freshness that is added to your room.
Home Improvement Project – New Faucets
Old faucets dull and wear with age. Replacing faucets will give the sink a fresh new appearance.
This home improvement project is much simpler than you might think. A plumber can install the new faucets for you can do it yourself. Visit your local hardware store for plumbing supplies and easy installation instructions.
Home Improvement Project – Painting
A fresh coat of paint is a simple home improvement project that will give your home a new clean look. Paint the exterior and the interior of your home. The exterior appeal will look inviting to visitors and the fresh new interior will make them glad they entered. This is a relatively inexpensive, simple home improvement project that you can do or you can hire a painting contractor.
Home Improvement Project – Driveway
A very simple home improvement project that will add a new look to the exterior of your home is to pressure wash the concrete driveway. Over the course of a short season, a concrete driveway will get dirty and grungy. Simply rent a pressure washer and wash the driveway. The process is not hard but it is a slow process. Be patient, it is worth it. The concrete will look like new.
Home Improvement Project – Landscape
Many homeowners enjoy working in the yard and you can too. Mow the grass, trim the shrubs, plant flowers, get out into the sunshine and enjoy yourself. Landscaping does not have to be hard or complicated; just make your yard clean, green and neat. Add a little color and you have a wonderful curb appeal that will catch the eye of any potential buyer.
If you need help with a landscape plan or what you should do, ask a local nursery to come and make some suggestions. For a small fee, a landscape consultant can provide you with a landscape plan that you can implement.
Believe me. The hardest part of any home improvement project is getting started. However, the results are worth it. Improve the comfort and value of your home with one of these home improvement projects.
Do you want to fix up your home? Maybe you want to increase the comfort, or maybe the value and sale ability? A simple home improvement project can be an easy way to increase the appeal of your home. There are some easy ways to improve and increase the value of your home. The do-it-yourself homeowner who enjoys home improvement projects can do these projects. A home improvement project does not have to take a lot of time or money in order to bring great benefit – increase the comfort and value of your home.
Home Improvement Project – Kitchen
Simply paint the kitchen cabinets. A very simple kitchen home improvement project that most anyone can do is to repaint the cabinets. A dull, lifeless kitchen can easily be brought back to life by a new coat of paint on the cabinets. Select a bright, crisp color and a new coat of paint on the cabinets will change the look of any kitchen. With the sharpness of the new paint, the kitchen will appear and feel larger. It will look clean and fresh.
Also, consider changing the cabinet hardware. This is a finishing touch that will complete the cabinet improvement. Cabinet hardware can become dull and worn over a long life of use. This simple change alone will dramatically improve the look of your kitchen.
Home Improvement Project – Flooring
Old, worn carpet is thin, hard and makes a home look dirty and dungy. Replace old carpet with new in your next home improvement project. New carpet adds a soft touch. It looks good and insulates to some extent. If you have a limited budget, purchase good carpet padding and an inexpensive carpet. The result will be a thick expensive feel.
Home Improvement Project – Light Fixtures
Change light fixtures in your home. A simple home improvement project that anyone can do is change light fixtures. Start with the most out of date fixtures, maybe the kitchen or bathroom fixtures. With age brass fixtures dull and globes become dirty, drab and cloudy. Replace these fixtures and notice the warmth and freshness that is added to your room.
Home Improvement Project – New Faucets
Old faucets dull and wear with age. Replacing faucets will give the sink a fresh new appearance.
This home improvement project is much simpler than you might think. A plumber can install the new faucets for you can do it yourself. Visit your local hardware store for plumbing supplies and easy installation instructions.
Home Improvement Project – Painting
A fresh coat of paint is a simple home improvement project that will give your home a new clean look. Paint the exterior and the interior of your home. The exterior appeal will look inviting to visitors and the fresh new interior will make them glad they entered. This is a relatively inexpensive, simple home improvement project that you can do or you can hire a painting contractor.
Home Improvement Project – Driveway
A very simple home improvement project that will add a new look to the exterior of your home is to pressure wash the concrete driveway. Over the course of a short season, a concrete driveway will get dirty and grungy. Simply rent a pressure washer and wash the driveway. The process is not hard but it is a slow process. Be patient, it is worth it. The concrete will look like new.
Home Improvement Project – Landscape
Many homeowners enjoy working in the yard and you can too. Mow the grass, trim the shrubs, plant flowers, get out into the sunshine and enjoy yourself. Landscaping does not have to be hard or complicated; just make your yard clean, green and neat. Add a little color and you have a wonderful curb appeal that will catch the eye of any potential buyer.
If you need help with a landscape plan or what you should do, ask a local nursery to come and make some suggestions. For a small fee, a landscape consultant can provide you with a landscape plan that you can implement.
Believe me. The hardest part of any home improvement project is getting started. However, the results are worth it. Improve the comfort and value of your home with one of these home improvement projects.
4 Easy Tips to Establishing Prices for Your Lawn Care Services
Providing quotation to prospective clients is an important aspect of a lawn care business. If you are new to the lawn care industry, you'll need to do some serious research before you can come up with a pricing model for all the services that you provide. Here are 4 things that you should keep in mind when establishing the prices for your lawn care services.
Know how much to charge per square foot
This is the basic factor in your pricing model that determines whether your business will be profitable in the long run.
Here is a quick way to generate some idea on how much to charge. Measure your lawn size and then call up a few reputable lawn care companies and ask for their quotations. Taking this a step further, you can ask a few of your friends to do the same and then get the feedback from them. You will have a good idea on the various pricing for different lawn size and help you determine the acceptable price range for your services.
Once you have an idea on how much to charge, set up a pricing schedule based on the type of service performed per square foot. For example, you may charge $3 per square foot for mowing and $1.50 per square foot for fertilizing. Most lawns various from a few hundred square feet to a few thousand square feet. Thus it is more convenient to set your price in terms of per hundred square feet or per thousand square feet.
Bring this pricing schedule with you whenever you meet up with your clients. It will make you look more professional and increase your credibility.
Do not quote or bid blindly
When your customers call you up to get a quotation, remember to ask for the dimension of their lawns. Do not quote off the bat blindly. Give them an initial estimate of the cost and tell them that the final pricing can only be determined after you have surveyed the site.
Try to meet up with your client and survey the actual site together. You will have a better picture on how much to quote and provide your client with a more accurate pricing. The other advantage is that you can pitch additional service at the same time. Try to pitch in a few other services like aeration, fertilizing and other add-ons but do it with a soft approach.
Cheapest isn't always the best
As a new business owner, it is unwise to set a high price for your lawn care services. However, it is equally unwise to be the cheapest in the industry. Being too cheap can raise doubt about your personal and business credibility. Pricing your services somewhere in the middle or a notch above the average is a good starting point. Once you have proved that you are really professional and able to consistently provide a high quality of service, you can justify charging a higher price.
Do not attempt to undercut your competition with low prices. Entering a price war can hurt your business profitability and you will have a hard time staying afloat with a low profit margin. Instead, try to add value to your services without any price reduction. For example, you can provide a free soil analysis as part of your standard lawn care package.
Know your business costs
As a business owner, you need to be fully aware of all the costs involved in running your business. Your cost of doing business will depend on your business size and the type of services provided. The basic costs will include mower acquisition and maintenance, fertilizer spreader, measuring wheel and other tools required for your business.
You should also factor in the time you used for running the business. This means your personal labor cost. Unless you have an assistant, you will have to do the administrative tasks yourself. These administrative tasks include scheduling jobs, handling customer queries and complaints, preparing invoices and mailing them out and many others. The more time you spend on these administrative tasks, the less time you have to service your clients.
To grow your business, you probably have to advertise and this can constitute a significant portion of your business cost. You will have to spend time crafting up a sales message and researching good advertising sources. Put in some form of tracking mechanism so that you know which advertising sources are giving you a good return in investment and eliminate those that are not effective.
With these four tips, you should be able to come up with a good pricing model that will allow you to stay profitable and compete fairly with other lawn care companies. By consistently adding value to the services you provided, you will be able to build a large loyal customer base that will keep you in business for years to come.
Know how much to charge per square foot
This is the basic factor in your pricing model that determines whether your business will be profitable in the long run.
Here is a quick way to generate some idea on how much to charge. Measure your lawn size and then call up a few reputable lawn care companies and ask for their quotations. Taking this a step further, you can ask a few of your friends to do the same and then get the feedback from them. You will have a good idea on the various pricing for different lawn size and help you determine the acceptable price range for your services.
Once you have an idea on how much to charge, set up a pricing schedule based on the type of service performed per square foot. For example, you may charge $3 per square foot for mowing and $1.50 per square foot for fertilizing. Most lawns various from a few hundred square feet to a few thousand square feet. Thus it is more convenient to set your price in terms of per hundred square feet or per thousand square feet.
Bring this pricing schedule with you whenever you meet up with your clients. It will make you look more professional and increase your credibility.
Do not quote or bid blindly
When your customers call you up to get a quotation, remember to ask for the dimension of their lawns. Do not quote off the bat blindly. Give them an initial estimate of the cost and tell them that the final pricing can only be determined after you have surveyed the site.
Try to meet up with your client and survey the actual site together. You will have a better picture on how much to quote and provide your client with a more accurate pricing. The other advantage is that you can pitch additional service at the same time. Try to pitch in a few other services like aeration, fertilizing and other add-ons but do it with a soft approach.
Cheapest isn't always the best
As a new business owner, it is unwise to set a high price for your lawn care services. However, it is equally unwise to be the cheapest in the industry. Being too cheap can raise doubt about your personal and business credibility. Pricing your services somewhere in the middle or a notch above the average is a good starting point. Once you have proved that you are really professional and able to consistently provide a high quality of service, you can justify charging a higher price.
Do not attempt to undercut your competition with low prices. Entering a price war can hurt your business profitability and you will have a hard time staying afloat with a low profit margin. Instead, try to add value to your services without any price reduction. For example, you can provide a free soil analysis as part of your standard lawn care package.
Know your business costs
As a business owner, you need to be fully aware of all the costs involved in running your business. Your cost of doing business will depend on your business size and the type of services provided. The basic costs will include mower acquisition and maintenance, fertilizer spreader, measuring wheel and other tools required for your business.
You should also factor in the time you used for running the business. This means your personal labor cost. Unless you have an assistant, you will have to do the administrative tasks yourself. These administrative tasks include scheduling jobs, handling customer queries and complaints, preparing invoices and mailing them out and many others. The more time you spend on these administrative tasks, the less time you have to service your clients.
To grow your business, you probably have to advertise and this can constitute a significant portion of your business cost. You will have to spend time crafting up a sales message and researching good advertising sources. Put in some form of tracking mechanism so that you know which advertising sources are giving you a good return in investment and eliminate those that are not effective.
With these four tips, you should be able to come up with a good pricing model that will allow you to stay profitable and compete fairly with other lawn care companies. By consistently adding value to the services you provided, you will be able to build a large loyal customer base that will keep you in business for years to come.
Bathroom Installation And Decoration - A Few Tips And Ideas
The bathroom is an area of importance. It enables one to maintain personal hygiene and should be a private, personal space, designed for comfort and peaceful retreat. Bathrooms perform different functions, often depending on space or the lay out of a house. Regardless of type, it is an area that needs a great deal of careful planning and thought.
For large families, the installation of a new bathroom is worth considering. Not only can it put and end to morning queues, but should help reduce wear and tear on the existing bathroom. It can also increase the value of a house. For those blessed with enough space, ensuite bathing areas that incorporate shower cubicles, baths or full suites are a viable option. However, people with less room to work might want to consider the inclusion of a simple washbasin or shower in their bedroom or spare room.
The bath is the focal point of the room. For design purposes, it’s a good idea to integrate it into the overall design of the bathroom, whether with the flooring or wall decor. The shapes and sizes of baths vary so it shouldn’t be difficult to find one that suits your bathroom best. For example, sunken baths can prove very attractive enhancements. They tend to blend in with a bathroom in terms of operation as well as appearance. However, they tend to require a little extra work to install and are more expensive than standard versions. If room is a problem, you might want to consider a corner bath. Useful at saving space, they could enable you to include other bathroom features such as a bidet or even an extra washbasin.
Choosing a bath not only effects the overall look and feel of a bathroom but can also save money. For example, acrylic versions tend to keep water heated longer than iron and metallic baths. Moreover, an efficiently designed bath may require less water to fill it than other types, thereby reducing the monthly water bill.
Bathroom fittings are often expensive and difficult to move around which means that alteration is problematic once installed. So careful, considered planning should prevent the need for revision once installation has taken place. The fittings and material used must of course be durable and waterproof. To protect the decor and prevent mould, the edges of baths and washbasins should be sealed - plastic sealant or sealant strips are easily available from leading bathroom retailers.
Like most rooms in the house, storage is a major issue. Sometimes bath products seem to colonise all corners of a bathroom. So adequate storage products are an important feature, integral to the successful operation of a busy bathroom Cabinets and cupboards can solve these space issues and are commonly available in fixed or free standing versions. Most good bathroom and furniture merchants stock them in large numbers.
Bathroom lighting should be thorough but not glaring. Many bathrooms have white fittings that can reflect bright light to an uncomfortable degree. Simple wall lights are an option that should provide sufficient illumination for performing every-day tasks, while complimenting the decor. It is very important that all types of lighting are approved for use in the bathroom and are carefully sealed. Switches should be placed outside, or a string pull installed to ensure safe operation.
Finally, if you plan on installing a tiled floor, the inclusion of bath mats is of great importance. With the amount of water that can be displaced in a bathroom area, mats can provide a non-slip surface that means added safety. They often come with adhesive strips that fix them to the floor and provide further stability.
For large families, the installation of a new bathroom is worth considering. Not only can it put and end to morning queues, but should help reduce wear and tear on the existing bathroom. It can also increase the value of a house. For those blessed with enough space, ensuite bathing areas that incorporate shower cubicles, baths or full suites are a viable option. However, people with less room to work might want to consider the inclusion of a simple washbasin or shower in their bedroom or spare room.
The bath is the focal point of the room. For design purposes, it’s a good idea to integrate it into the overall design of the bathroom, whether with the flooring or wall decor. The shapes and sizes of baths vary so it shouldn’t be difficult to find one that suits your bathroom best. For example, sunken baths can prove very attractive enhancements. They tend to blend in with a bathroom in terms of operation as well as appearance. However, they tend to require a little extra work to install and are more expensive than standard versions. If room is a problem, you might want to consider a corner bath. Useful at saving space, they could enable you to include other bathroom features such as a bidet or even an extra washbasin.
Choosing a bath not only effects the overall look and feel of a bathroom but can also save money. For example, acrylic versions tend to keep water heated longer than iron and metallic baths. Moreover, an efficiently designed bath may require less water to fill it than other types, thereby reducing the monthly water bill.
Bathroom fittings are often expensive and difficult to move around which means that alteration is problematic once installed. So careful, considered planning should prevent the need for revision once installation has taken place. The fittings and material used must of course be durable and waterproof. To protect the decor and prevent mould, the edges of baths and washbasins should be sealed - plastic sealant or sealant strips are easily available from leading bathroom retailers.
Like most rooms in the house, storage is a major issue. Sometimes bath products seem to colonise all corners of a bathroom. So adequate storage products are an important feature, integral to the successful operation of a busy bathroom Cabinets and cupboards can solve these space issues and are commonly available in fixed or free standing versions. Most good bathroom and furniture merchants stock them in large numbers.
Bathroom lighting should be thorough but not glaring. Many bathrooms have white fittings that can reflect bright light to an uncomfortable degree. Simple wall lights are an option that should provide sufficient illumination for performing every-day tasks, while complimenting the decor. It is very important that all types of lighting are approved for use in the bathroom and are carefully sealed. Switches should be placed outside, or a string pull installed to ensure safe operation.
Finally, if you plan on installing a tiled floor, the inclusion of bath mats is of great importance. With the amount of water that can be displaced in a bathroom area, mats can provide a non-slip surface that means added safety. They often come with adhesive strips that fix them to the floor and provide further stability.
Gift Giving Made Easy with a Towel Warmer
Unique Gifts for Family and Friends
Those special gift-giving occasions seem to sneak up on us with little warning. With a busy schedule to manage, you need help with last minute shopping. Give the gift that’s is always unique and is sure to please — a towel warmer and drying rack. A towel warmer is a unique gift of affordable luxury for any occasion or budget!
Whatever the occasion there is a towel warmer for everyone!
TOP 10 REASONS TO PURCHASE A TOWEL WARMER?
1. Keeps towels warm and dry!
• Pamper your friends or family with a piece of pure luxury. Wrap up in warmth when stepping out of the shower or bath with a towel warmer.
2. Control bathrooms dampness and mildew
• Excellent for rooms that have poor ventilation. Even in the humid summer months the towel warmer will keep towels dry and stop them from smelling musty.
• BOAT OWNERS will towel warmers! With all that humid air a towel warmer is ideal for drying boat cabins
3. Save on laundry!
• Many times towels aren’t dirty they just need drying. Simply thrown the towels on the towel warmer and they are good for the next time. You won’t have to spend time doing unnecessary loads of laundry.
4. Great accessory for people who have a pool and/ or Jacuzzi
• Many additional loads are created by all the towels used in swimming pools. Dry swimming suits and towels in no time at all with a towel warmer!
5. Excellent for drying delicate clothing. Preserve the life of your clothes.
• Items that could be damaged in a dryer will now be protected using a towel warmer. Clothes and delicate items will last much longer!
6. Save on energy costs and water costs!
• A towel warmer will also save you money because they are much cheaper to use than clothes dryers, using less electricity than a regular light bulb.
7. Dry winter clothes
• Put coats, mittens on the towel warmer. It will dry the items and they will be warm for the next time. Perfect for Holiday homes!
8. Warm baby’s clothes and blankets
• Provide a pleasant, mild heat with a towel warmer to give baby that extra comfort
9. Simple to set up – the towel warmer is up and ready to go in 10 minutes!
• Choose from free standing models or wall mounted units. They can be plugged into a 120V outlet or hard-wired into the electrical system.
10. Safe and effective
• A good quality towel warmer is safe to run 24 hours a day, always providing fresh and warm towels.
There is a towel warmer style for every bathroom's size and décor and with so many uses your family and friends will love them! Give the gift that keeps on giving.
Disclaimer: The information on the system, product or material presented herein is provided for informational purposes only. E-Smart Living is not responsible in any manner whatsoever for any injury sustained either directly or indirectly from information put forward in this article. There are no warranties, either expressed or implied, regarding the accuracy or completeness of this information.
Those special gift-giving occasions seem to sneak up on us with little warning. With a busy schedule to manage, you need help with last minute shopping. Give the gift that’s is always unique and is sure to please — a towel warmer and drying rack. A towel warmer is a unique gift of affordable luxury for any occasion or budget!
Whatever the occasion there is a towel warmer for everyone!
TOP 10 REASONS TO PURCHASE A TOWEL WARMER?
1. Keeps towels warm and dry!
• Pamper your friends or family with a piece of pure luxury. Wrap up in warmth when stepping out of the shower or bath with a towel warmer.
2. Control bathrooms dampness and mildew
• Excellent for rooms that have poor ventilation. Even in the humid summer months the towel warmer will keep towels dry and stop them from smelling musty.
• BOAT OWNERS will towel warmers! With all that humid air a towel warmer is ideal for drying boat cabins
3. Save on laundry!
• Many times towels aren’t dirty they just need drying. Simply thrown the towels on the towel warmer and they are good for the next time. You won’t have to spend time doing unnecessary loads of laundry.
4. Great accessory for people who have a pool and/ or Jacuzzi
• Many additional loads are created by all the towels used in swimming pools. Dry swimming suits and towels in no time at all with a towel warmer!
5. Excellent for drying delicate clothing. Preserve the life of your clothes.
• Items that could be damaged in a dryer will now be protected using a towel warmer. Clothes and delicate items will last much longer!
6. Save on energy costs and water costs!
• A towel warmer will also save you money because they are much cheaper to use than clothes dryers, using less electricity than a regular light bulb.
7. Dry winter clothes
• Put coats, mittens on the towel warmer. It will dry the items and they will be warm for the next time. Perfect for Holiday homes!
8. Warm baby’s clothes and blankets
• Provide a pleasant, mild heat with a towel warmer to give baby that extra comfort
9. Simple to set up – the towel warmer is up and ready to go in 10 minutes!
• Choose from free standing models or wall mounted units. They can be plugged into a 120V outlet or hard-wired into the electrical system.
10. Safe and effective
• A good quality towel warmer is safe to run 24 hours a day, always providing fresh and warm towels.
There is a towel warmer style for every bathroom's size and décor and with so many uses your family and friends will love them! Give the gift that keeps on giving.
Disclaimer: The information on the system, product or material presented herein is provided for informational purposes only. E-Smart Living is not responsible in any manner whatsoever for any injury sustained either directly or indirectly from information put forward in this article. There are no warranties, either expressed or implied, regarding the accuracy or completeness of this information.
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