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An “Ultimate” Outing for QwikBids!

October 23rd, 2009

Cathy’s Clips

The staff had a wonderful time at the Arizona’s Ultimate Women’s Expo at the Phoenix Convention Center. We had an exhibitor’s booth awaiting us when we arrived. We’re getting good at this so set up went very qwik this time around!

In our industry, we have found that the bulk of consumers that generally use services to locate quality service providers are overwhelmingly women. So we didn’t want to miss out on the opportunity to put on display the ease and convenience of using QwikBids for their next home project. We got their attention! The busy woman is looking for ways to avoid having to endure the task of looking for a service provider. Demonstrating how QwikBids takes the pain out of locating a service provider that will treat customer’s right, was relatively easy.

We handed out literally thousands of our cards, and explained to all who we are and how we not only benefit consumers and service providers, but also charities. Attendees were very adamant in saying what a great idea QwikBids is and how they plan on utilizing our service on their next home project!

The Expo went on for two days. The first day, Valerie Bertinelli spoke about empowerment, and her battle with weight loss. It was a very heartfelt speaking engagement, and a very crowded one. Women from around the Valley applauded Valerie for her courage and determination.

Speaking of courage and determination, the second day of the Expo presented Olivia Newton-John (who was accompanied by her new husband, John Easterling). Olivia expressed her battle with cancer, and the resulting victory overcoming it. According to her, a new lease on life and outlook in the future has forever been changed. She is reaching out to women globally in an effort to raise awareness of cancers that plague women from every walk of life.

How could we not applaud both Valerie and Olivia? The entire gang loved it!

This is just the beginning for QwikBids, a business that’s in the business of helping others and showing all other businesses that profits are not the only issues that need to be addressed. As many of you already know, QwikBids is modeled for charities as well. The recession has affected everyone, so it’s a breath of fresh air knowing that when you use QwikBids, you’re giving back to the community.

It seems we are in recovery, and we’re bouncing back! Stay tuned for more events the QwikBids team attends. And if you see us, drop by and say hello!

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A Short Take on Bathroom Remodeling

October 21st, 2009

QwikBids Investigates – Brian M. Smith

According to Remodeling Magazine in 2007, Americans spent an average of $15,000 remodeling their bathrooms. The resulting value rose in those same homes to about $12,400. Here we are two years later, and as you can imagine, that margin is even bigger now.

Time and again I have heard do-it-yourself remodelers say they regretted doing the project themselves. The projects took long hours and the material cost was still an issue. So, we’re going to steer this one to the professionals. In doing so, you’ll want a minimum of 3 quotes from reputable, licensed and insured remodelers and contractors. A few references from each that are verifiable are also highly recommended, as well as seeing photos of some of their work. These tasks take time, so why wouldn’t you go to a source that has taken care of it all for free? Yes, you read it correctly: FREE! Simply go to QwikBids for your remodeling needs. It’s really a no-brainer.

Having a smart contractor for your remodeling needs will make the entire process easier, and any good service provider in this field will work with you on maximizing the value added to the home through the project. Besides the choice of materials and new bathroom additives, it’s also recommended that you get advice from an experienced interior designer to make certain all of your ducks are in a row.

We set about talking to folks that have undergone the experience firsthand, and got some surprising feedback. Darlin Smith, of Ocala, Florida, indicates that she wished she’d gotten someone else to do most of the work from a skilled service provider. “I tried to take on the project myself, but realized I would need help with many things, such as removal of the tub and help with the plumbing. I also didn’t know anything about electrical,” she says.

Another home owner, Susan, was very unhappy with her remodeling project. She was quick to put in her 2 cents, “I’ve found the biggest challenge with any home repair is when you don’t have a choice but to hire someone; finding one that will actually show up, do the job (and do it well), and finish it within the agreed-upon estimate and timeframe.”

So it’s obvious what the main concern of consumers is. And if we told you there was a way to avoid a nightmare and stress by offering only service providers that are already prequalified wouldn’t you take advantage? If there was a service that allowed you to remain anonymous until you chose between multiple bids, already having the licensing, insurance and references checked out to save tons of time would you take advantage? It’s free, what are you waiting for? Go to QwikBids today!

Tags: Bathroom remodeling, remodeling
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Home and Landscaping Show: QwikBids is back at it!

October 8th, 2009

Cathy’s Clips

Once again, QwikBids hit the road to spread the word about a unique way for consumers and service providers alike to come together. The destination this time was the Maricopa County Home & Landscaping Show at the Maricopa County Fairgrounds. The mood was cheery, and the smell of food cooking was everywhere!

We got situated rather quickly, then settled into the routine of meeting consumers and the many service providers that came out to show their stuff. We had more visibility this time around, so we were busy! Thousands of consumers were in attendance, wanting to get the most for their money during these recessionary times. These consumers represented the many homeowners looking for home improvement ideas. Yes, consumers want to spend money!

We explained to consumers (and service providers) what we were all about, and they knew we would come in handy for their upcoming projects. There was one that was interested in using our service but also owned a business. So they are not only a consumer using QwikBids, they are also now a service provider on our site. Awesome!

I had the crew by my side, and as always we had tons of fun. The bid requests have picked up as a result, meaning business is picking up for our service providers. The three days at the show were a success, and look forward to attending many more.

Next up is the American Cancer Society Charity event in Goodyear (we are a sponsor), then we will be attending the Arizona’s Ultimate Women’s Expo at the Phoenix Convention Center October 17^th and 18^th. Come on down and visit our booth, I would like to meet all of you personally!

Tags: Home and Garden Show, QwikBids
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Wanna be Trendy? Then be yourself!

October 8th, 2009

By guest author Amy Wolff
Decorating trends have been consistently moving toward more personal styles. Which means there are fewer rules to follow. You get to choose pieces that feel good to you. Not because they are the correct items to fit a certain style, but just because you like them.

Here are some ways to make your home more uniquely you!

Choose one-of-a-kind elements

Opt for custom-designed furniture. Instead of shopping at mass-produced furniture stores, have just one special piece of furniture custom-designed for you. Customized furniture is becoming more and more popular. Imagine having a sofa or table that is the perfect size, shape, color, and pattern – and with all the exact details you want!

Reinvent existing pieces. You can add nail heads, tassels and trim to upholstered items, apply unique moldings to tables and cabinets, or faux paint wooden furniture.

Shop at flea markets, antique fairs and estate sales. The pieces you find will be much more unique than what you get at the usual stores.

Create your own accessories. The interest in hand-crafted materials continues to grow. So why not craft your own piece? It will not only be one-of-a-kind, but it will have special meaning to you and your family – and be a great conversation starter for guests!

Use a decorator! Professional decorators have access to many more resources than you have as a homeowner. They are able to help you select and create a truly customized piece from a wide variety of fabrics, trims, and other materials.

When you combine new technology with your own imagination, you can create a truly distinctive, one-of-a-kind home. How trendy. How YOU!

Amy Wolff, CID, is nationally certified in the interior decorating profession through Certified Interior Decorators International (CIDI).

Tags: Decorating, home decorating
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Thermal Imaging Energy Audit

October 2nd, 2009

by guest author John Collins

Did you know that the typical family spends about $1,900 a year on home utility bills? It is unfortunate a large amount of that energy goes to waste. Every year, energy produced for a single home from fossil fuels releases more carbon dioxide than two average cars.

The key to eliminating this wasted energy in your home is to have a whole-house thermal imaging energy audit. Viewing your home as a whole, look at it as a self-contained energy system with interdependent parts. For example, your Air conditioner system is not just an A/C, it’s a cold air delivery system that starts at the unit and delivers cold air throughout your home using a network of ducts. Even a top-of-the line, energy-efficient A/C unit will waste a lot of energy if the ducts, walls, attic, windows, and doors are not properly sealed and insulated. Viewing your home as a whole, look at it as a self-contained energy system with interdependent parts.

Improving energy efficiency will inevitably make your home more comfortable, and yield long-term savings as well. Given rising electricity prices, follow-up actions based on the findings of an energy audit are almost certain to save at least 15% of the energy a household uses. Figures available on the DOE “Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy” website illustrate what savings are available from even modest energy conserving investments.

Why Thermography?

Thermography uses an IR camera (thermal imager) to capture two-dimensional representations of the surface temperatures of parts of buildings, including roofs, walls, doors, windows and construction joints. Often, those images reveal temperatures or temperature differences that indicate conditions contributing to the waste of heated or cooled air and, as a result, needlessly excessive energy costs.

Thermography is also used to detect moisture:

The presence of moisture in a building, whether from leakage or condensation, can have serious consequences. For example, moisture in insulation reduces its insulating capability, causing heating and/or cooling losses and wasting energy. Moisture can also cause structural deterioration and foster the growth of mold, while a serious roof leak can damage or destroy a building’s contents.

Tags: Thermal Imaging, Thermography
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