Tag: Interior Design

Stages Magazine
November/December 2010

It was a simple little basket, perched innocently among other colorful wares for sale at the market square in Ocho Rios, Jamaica.  The year was 1984, and Clinton natives Doug and Susan Williams were vacationing on the island with their best friends.  Susan’s eyes landed on the two-dollar basket and as she examined it closer, realized it was identical to a basket she paid $40 for back home.  “You could see dollar signs ringing up in Doug’s eyes,” said Susan.   At that moment, the wheels of fate began to turn.

As a young married couple trying to make ends meet, the Williamses made extra money selling artwork at local flea markets.  The couple decided the baskets would make a great addition to their booth and recruited their friends to help them carry as many baskets as their arms could hold on the plane home.   The baskets were a success – flying off the shelves of the Williamses’ weekend booth.   It was then that the Williamses dove head first into the import business.  “We didn’t have enough money for both of us to make a return trip to Jamaica,” said Doug.  “I convinced the Jamaican Trade Council to ship a container load of baskets to Jackson with no money down and thirty days to pay.  That was miracle number one of many miracles to follow.”

Less than three years after Susan stumbled across that unassuming basket in Jamaica, the couple’s small venture would grow to become one of the “500 Fastest Growing Privately Held Companies” two years in a row according to Inc. Magazine.  Entrepreneur Magazine named Country Originals one of the “51 American Success Stories” representing Mississippi.  The state of Mississippi also awarded them the coveted “Business and Industry Super Achievers.”

Over the years, Country Originals evolved into Kalalou – a cutting edge collection of unique products that span the globe and come in a variety of colors, textures, and styles.  The name is derived from a Creole word describing a soup made of a variety of ingredients that is never made the same way twice.  Kalalou now does business in nine countries and features over 1500 product lines.

As if their business didn’t keep them busy enough, Doug and Susan have also developed several charity projects such as Doug and Susan’s Kids Foundation – an organization that provides medical care, education, food, and shelter for kids in Haiti, Colombia, Honduras, and right here in Mississippi.  The charity’s projects are funded through both Kalalou sales and outside donations.  All administrative costs are covered by the Williamses, meaning 100% of the donated funds go directly to support the organization’s charitable efforts.

The devastating earthquake that struck Haiti earlier this year hit particularly close to home.  The pair fund a charitable project in Haiti known as Sister Clara’s Clinic as well as import goods.  Doug and Susan immediately sent money to several families in need and then set out to raise enough money to assemble a shipping container full of care packages, medical supplies, and household necessities.  The goods were then distributed to the employees of a factory that the Williamses have worked with for the last 20 years.  The Williamses’ good deeds have not gone unnoticed.  They have received recognition from Oprah Winfrey for funding and building one of her Angel Network Habitat for Humanity Houses, were honored with the Tozzoli Business Leadership Award from the Mississippi World Trade Center Association, and were recognized by the Jackson Chamber of Commerce as a Super Achiever.

Life doesn’t seem to be slowing down anytime soon for the Williamses.  In 2009, Kalalou experienced record breaking sales.  The couple has traveled the world in search of new and unique items to bring to market and even found time to climb Mount Kilimanjaro.  The Williamses are still close with the couple that helped them bring armloads of baskets back to the U.S. twenty-six years ago.  Says Susan, “Often the conversation turns to the memories of that fateful vacation and that beautiful sun-drenched day in the colorful market square of Ocho Rios, Jamaica.”

Stages Magazine
September/October 2010

Shelter is one of our most basic needs. Your home not only provides protection from the elements, but serves as the hub of your entire life. When your home is destroyed –whether by fire, natural disaster, etc. – it can feel as if your whole life has been taken away. Feelings of depression, anxiety, and being overwhelmed are common as you try to pick up the pieces and rebuild your life. Where do you start?

If you are faced with losing your home, emergency services should first be notified. Then contact an organization such as the American Red Cross or Salvation Army to help with immediate needs like temporary housing, food, medications, clothing, and any other essential items. Next, contact your insurance agent.

In situations like this, having an insurance policy in place is a life saver. Even those who rent should have an insurance policy. While your landlord will most likely have insurance on the actual building, many renters mistakenly believe that policy also covers their belongings. “When shopping for an insurance provider, a customer needs to know something about the company they are going to do business with or obtaining quotes from,” says Greg Horne, a Hinds County agent with Mississippi Farm Bureau Insurance. “Take into consideration how long the agency has been writing insurance in your state, the reputation of their claims service, and the agent you are talking to.”

Renters insurance is available in three different types of policies – standard, broad and comprehensive. A standard policy is the most basic and provides coverage should your belonging be destroyed by fire, lightning, electrical damage, hail, ice, snow, etc. A broad form of renters insurance typically covers events included in a standard policy with some additional benefits that may include hurricane and flood damage. Finally, a comprehensive policy offers the most wide-range of coverage, includes the majority of natural disasters, and covers more expensive belongings. This is a general description and coverage may differ from carrier to carrier, so be sure to read over your policy carefully to get a clear idea of what is and is not covered.

If you own your home, most mortgage companies will require you to already have a homeowner’s insurance policy in place. If for some reason you do not have a homeowner’s policy, seriously consider

getting one immediately. Why risk losing one of the largest investments you will make in your lifetime? Homeowner’s insurance, also known as hazard insurance, takes into account numerous factors relating to losing a home such as the damage or loss to the dwelling, the contents, living expenses, and liability. There are several different types of homeowner’s insurance:

Most homeowner’s (HO) policies come in various forms and include:

• HO-1, which is very basic coverage, and insures against fire or lightening damage.
• HO-2, called “broad coverage,” and includes loss of or damage to property resulting from windstorm or hail, theft, explosion, smoke damage, removal of property, building collapse, falling objects, etc.
• HO-3, also known as “special” form, is the most common form of homeowners insurance and covers your home and any detached structures against loss or damage from any peril except for those specifically excluded in the policy.
• HO-8 may be issued for “older homes.” It is a modified replacement policy that will pay for standard building materials and processes in use now.

As with renter’s insurance, look over your policy carefully and discuss with your agent what is and is not covered under your agreement.

“Talk with your agent before filing a claim in order to get advice on the claims process and then report the claim promptly,” adds Horne. “Have a copy of your policy and know your deductible. Also, ask how long before you will get a call from an adjustor.” Once your insurance company has been notified of the loss, be sure to ask your agent about housing during rebuilding and what measures should be taken to prevent further damage such as covering open windows and doors.

Some policies may require you to make an inventory of damaged personal property that includes the quantity of each item, the description, and how much was paid for each item. This may seem like an easy task, but remember in the event of a disaster to your home you will be under a lot of pressure and may not be able to recall everything you own. Compiling an inventory will be easier if you take the time now to make a video or photo inventory of the contents of your house. Keep this along with your policy in safe place such as a safety deposit box. Once cleanup has begun on the property, do not throw away any damaged goods until after an inventory is made. All damage is taken into consideration in developing your insurance claim.

Now that a claim has been made and you and your insurance company have agreed on a settlement, it’s time to begin rebuilding and repairing. Suggests Horne, “Get all repair quotes made in writing. Ask for referrals if you don’t know the contractor.” As with building or remodeling a home, make sure to only use licensed contractors. A list of contractors can be found by contacting the Home Builders Association of Mississippi.

Many businesses are able to work directly with your insurance company and handle all billing, giving you one less thing to worry about. Upton-Neal Interiors, a 42-year veteran of flooring and interiors, recently joined forces with Carpet One to become Upton-Neal Interiors Carpet One Flooring and Home. Carpet

One, a national co-op of flooring and interior businesses, gives local businesses the luxury of more buying power among the major flooring brands, mills, and manufacturers. “We now have a direct pipeline open with several insurance companies,” says Susan Upton, co-owner of Upton-Neal. “Once your insurance company assigns a job to us, we are required contact the customer within 24 hours to set up an appointment. During that time we take pictures, get measurements and provide samples of flooring materials.”

Upton-Neal offers a wide variety of flooring options including laminate, hardwood, ceramic tile, and carpet. In addition, customers can also purchase rugs, blinds window treatments, and granite. Interior designers are also on staff to help clients choose the right look for their home. Adds Upton, “We understand that this is a very unexpected situation, so the faster we are able to get the area measured, installed and settled, the happier our customer will be.”

The majority of homeowners rarely experience a total loss. However, the longer you own a home, the more likely the occasion will arise that you will need to file a claim for interior or exterior damage. Even if you only file one claim over the life of your policy, having the right safeguards in place gives you peace of mind knowing that the roof over your head is protected.

Stages Magazine
July/August 2010

It seems lately the simple act of watching the news is enough to make prospective or current homeowners long to crouch in the corner and hope the turmoil of today’s economy will blow over very soon. With all the talk of overspending and markets sinking, one would assume that building a new home or remodeling and existing home would be the last thing on a person’s mind. However, consider this: the price of real estate – including land – has never been more affordable and the cost of building supplies is the lowest it has been in years. If you have considered building or remodeling a new home, today may be the best time to take the plunge.

“Remodeling has been where most of the residential construction has occurred the past couple of years,” says Marty Milstead, Executive Vice President of the Home Builders Association of Mississippi (HBAM). “There is still a strong remodeling market, but builders are beginning to gradually put new inventory back into the market as financing comes available.”

Custom home builder Paul Graham, owner of Paul Graham Homes, LLC, has also noticed an upswing the in the demand for custom homes since the beginning of the year. “Within the past six months I have had several people inquire about building a custom home,” says Graham. “The interest has definitely increased.”

There are several advantages to building a new home. Since the home is brand new, you don’t have to worry about replacing an old roof, air conditioner, appliances, etc. Many builders offer a home warranty, so if something should go wrong the warranty may cover the cost of repairs. Also, you and your family will have the piece of mind knowing that you are the first people to live in the home. There will be no “surprises” left by previous owners. “The home owner has more control of building exactly what they want and need,” adds Graham. “Also you get a new product with a warranty and all the features are up-to-date. In an older home, you might have to do some updating. There is also the satisfaction that many people get from starting from scratch and seeing the finished product.”

When opting to build a house, one can choose to build either a semi or a fully custom home. When building a semi-custom home, the builder usually presents the client with several house styles and floor plans to choose from. Clients are given the option to select what type of flooring they want, in addition to cabinets, appliances, lighting fixtures and lighting locations. Often, builders will include a “budget allowance” that gives the owner the option to choose fixtures, appliances, etc. Anything in excess of the budget allowance must be purchased at the owner’s expense. A semi-custom home is a compromise between building a fully custom home and purchasing a pre-built spec home where the layout and design is already predetermined. Building a semi-custom home provides an owner with the ability customize some of your home’s features while keeping expenses at a reasonable level.

Building a fully custom home gives the owner the freedom to choose every single detail, from lot selection and the style of the home to the floor layout and room sizes. Owners also have the final decision on cabinet and flooring selections, windows, doors, siding material, paint colors, and lighting. Depending on the features of the house and how unique the client wants their new home to be, custom home builders can expect to spend 2 to 3 times more per square foot on construction costs.

If your current home doesn’t fit the needs of your family but building a new home is just out of the question, remodeling may be the solution. Remodeling will allow you to make custom additions that fit your needs without the expense of building a custom home or dealing with the stress and cost of moving. It is also a great way to add value to your house. According to an annual report conducted by Remodeling Magazine, updates to the kitchen and bathrooms provide the best return on investment. However, experts warn that a remodeling job should not raise the value of your house to more than 10-15% above the median sales price in your neighborhood.

Whether you choose to build or remodel, the hardest part may be finding the right builder. Says Graham, “First you need to look for a professional home builder whose main line of work is home building. Find out information about the builder and if he or she a member of your local home builders association. In Mississippi, there is a Certified Professional Builders Program that promotes professionalism in the building community.” Graham also encourages prospective clients to make sure their builder carries all the required forms of insurance such as general liability, workers compensation and builders risk. “Look for someone you feel comfortable with and want to go through the process of building with. From planning through building, there is much communication between home owner and builder. Find someone you enjoy doing business with. Don’t always go with the lowest bid. A bid is only as good as the amount of attention to detail that goes into it.”

Milstead encourages prospective home builders to utilize the resources his office has available. “A home is the largest investment most people make in their lifetime,” he says. “Why would you hire someone that is not insured and licensed to build it? Our office can help find builders that are licensed and insured.”

May want to include this as a sidebar

Helpful links:
• Certified Professional Builder
http://www.certifiedprofessionalbuilder.com
• Home Builders Association of Mississippi
http://www.hbam.com
• Mississippi State Board of Contractors
http://www.msboc.us

The Home Builders Association of Mississippi offers these helpful tips when choosing a homebuilder or remodeler:
• Is the Builder or Remodeler licensed by the State Board of contractors?
• Does the builder/remodeler have workers’ compensation and general liability insurance? If not, you may be liable for any construction-related accidents on your premises.
• Get it in writing. Will the builder/remodeler provide you with a complete and clearly written contract, a document signed by both parties? the contract will benefit bot of you. Review it carefully.
• How long have they been in the building business? It usually takes three to five years to establish a financially sound business. Will they be around after the construction is complete to service any warranties?
• Will the builder/remodeler provide you with names of previous customers? As them if they would hire the builder/remodeler again.
• Have you seen the builder/remodelers work, both completed and in progress? Check for quality of workmanship and materials.
• Are you able to communicate with the builder/remodeler? Remember you will be in close contact with them throughout the construction process and afterward as you live in your new home.
• Be cautious of usually low-priced bids. If the builder/remodeler is unable to pay for the materials and labor as the project proceeds, this may indicate a potential problem.

Stages Magazine
July/August 2010

When life gives you lemons, make lemonade.  That’s exactly what home builder David Smith did in the early 90’s when he and 350 other IBM employees were faced with a massive statewide layoff.  Building on his knowledge as a construction project manager for IBM, David decided to take his expertise and launch his own business.  Eighteen years later, David Smith Builder, LLC, has become one of the top builders of custom homes in the Jackson-metro area.“I have always thought of myself as a high-quality builder,” relates David.  “I am a very trustworthy individual that can deliver on a project from start to finish.”

Smith’s favorite part of the job is the way it allows him to use his creativity.  “Each job is a challenge, but also very rewarding,” he says.  “I like meeting new people and everyone on my team works close together to makes our clients happy during and after the project.”  Recently, he has noticed clients leaning towards building a more family friendly layout with special details being paid to expanding the kitchen area, adding a keeping room, and including additional outdoor amenities.

Obviously, building homes has become a passion for Smith.  Since the market is constantly changing, he continues to stay abreast of current trends by staying active in the industry.  He has served as President of the Home Builders Association of Jackson, Region Vice President of the Home Builders Association of Mississippi, and Director of the National Association of Home Builders.  He also currently serves on the Mississippi Board of Contractors.

More recently, Smith became the first home builder in Mississippi to become a Certified Green Professional under the National Association of Homebuilders Green Building Program.  He was also appointed by Gov. Haley Barbour to serve as Chairman of the State Board of Contractors Building Green Works Program for the Home Builder Association.  Explains Smith, “I became interested in building ‘green’ because essentially you are building a better house.  It doesn’t take more effort, but it does require more attention to detail.”  Smith has noticed an interest in appliances that run more efficiently and help to save the client money in the long run, such as tankless water heaters, high efficiency HVAC units, and better lighting.    “People are becoming more attuned to building ‘green’ houses because information about the concept is everywhere – the president is talking about it, more and more companies are adopting green policies.  Building a ‘green’ house may cost more initially – it really depends on the size of the house.  However, the cost savings you see in the long run will pay for itself.”  If you decide to go green, Smith recommends using energy efficient appliances, insulation, windows and heating systems designed to work together to lower utility bills; installing measures that will help conserve water and improve indoor air quality; and using recycled materials and effective waste management during construction.  Smith is also trained in how to prepare and develop a lot to ensure it leaves a light footprint on the earth and educating his clients so that they know how to operate and maintain their new, more eco-friendly  home.

Smith’s work has not gone unnoticed.  Over the years, he has been the recipient of numerous accolades within the industry.  He was named the 2008 Spring Parade of Homes Winner and again in 2009 for his “Miracle Home” built for the Blair E. Batson Children’s Hospital.  He has also been named Builder Member of the Year by the Home Builders Association of Mississippi and Jackson.

Adds Smith, “I love making people’s dreams come true.  You start with nothing and end up with a jewel.  It’s a lot of fun.  If it’s not fun, it’s not worth pursuing.”