NEWH Regional Trade Shows Coming Soon!

Lamin-Art has teamed up with NEWH - The Hospitality Network, to showcase our products at most of their regional trade shows through 2010.

These half-day, intimate venues make it easier than conventional trade shows for attendees and exhibitors to connect and interact on a one-on-one basis.

You can get to know members from our team, view our latest introductions, including our Pearlescence Solid Colors and our Veneer-Art High-Performance Wood Veneers, on the following dates:

June 24
New York, NY
Metropolitan Pavilion

July 27
Denver, CO
Hyatt Regency Denver Convention Center

October 14
Dallas, TX
Fairmont Dallas

Click here to register for an event or to learn more about the NEWH Regional Trade Shows.

Addressing Substitutions: The Millworkers' Perspective

Last month, we started a series of articles addressing the subject of product substitutions. We've explored ways for design teams to prevent, in the early stages of the design and product selection process, last minute substitution requests that often arise when the construction is well on its way. Read the article.

In this second article, we'll examine the process from the millworkers' perspective. How can estimators, purchasers, and project managers make sure that they provide an accurate bid, and can easily source the specified products once the contract is awarded? Read on to learn more.

Avoiding Surprises - and Substitutions - at the Bidding Stage

When a bid package comes in, architectural millwork firms are too often faced with having to provide a competitive price, within a short time frame, on a project that they may know very little about unless they have a close relationship with the design firm. In that case, chances are that they have been involved early on and have already provided valuable insights to maximize material yields, make the construction process more efficient, and ensure that the materials that have been selected are well suited for the intended application. Providing an accurate bid is then not a problem, but unfortunately, that scenario is not the most common.

Most of the time, a bid package lands on their doorstep that they have to decipher in a matter of days, with the double constraint of remaining competitive - especially in the current economic times - while adding a little extra for the unforeseeable. And it is often that unforeseeable that leads to emergency product substitution requests further down the road.


Connect with the design team
When reviewing the bid package, pay close attention to material schedules. Often, but not always, designers will note premium-priced products, or those that may require a longer lead time, such as custom-made or imported products. If such products are identified, or even more importantly if no notes are provided or if you are not familiar with some of the products or vendors, take the time to discuss the project and review the drawings and schedules with the design firm.

This approach has the double advantage of helping you provide an accurate bid while demonstrating professionalism and building a stronger relationship with the design team.  


Get in touch with the manufacturers' representatives
For those "non-standard" products, and for those that you have never worked with, contact the manufacturer to get pricing information,but also to learn about the nature and performance characteristics of the product, inquire about lead times, credit terms, etc.  

A wealth of information is available online, but the personal touch of a customer service agent or a local representative is second to none. Most often, a representative will be able to meet with you, review the shop drawings, discuss unique properties of the products and precautions to be taken, share examples of similar applications, etc. 

The project requires large quantities of a product? Even better, the representative may very well be able to negotiate a volume discount for you!

Plugging in a "standard price" for a premium product at the bidding stage is one of the main causes of change requests and frustration after contracts are awarded.    


Start early, finish on time
It's easier said than done, we know, but when products that require an extended lead time are identified at the bidding stage, they are more likely to fall right on schedule during construction. When awarded the job, go back to your notes, highlight those "non-standard" products, give the manufacturers' representatives or customer service agents a call, and put things in motion early on.


As it is often true, team work, communication and planning can help foresee potential pitfalls and make everyone's job easier and more enjoyable. Manufacturer representatives are knowledgeable individuals that can help you and answer your questions, and they are just a phone call or an e-mail away! 

Green Tip: Free Plants and Containers!

Just a few days ago, the summer solstice officially signaled the arrival of summer. The sunny season is the perfect time to do good to the planet (and to our health) by leaving our cars at home whenever possible and walking and bicycling more. It is also the time when those of us who have access to a little green space grow a vegetable or a flower garden. 

This month, we chose to give you a few simple tips that can help you “green” your garden some more, and maybe spread that good habit by getting a friend or family member started with gardening.


Vegetative propagation
It may sound a little scientific, but all it means is that you can multiply your plants for free! Various techniques such as stem cutting, root division, leaf cutting, or ground layering, each best suited for certain species, will allow you to reproduce the plants you like in order to fill up empty space in your garden, or to give to neighbors, friends or family members. Make sure to research the appropriate technique and timing for each plant that you wish to propagate.   


Recycled and repurposed flower pots
Sure, those hand-painted pots at the garden center look pretty, but they can also cost you a fortune. When in need of more pots for your plants, first take a look at your garage and basement. Old pails, large jars, broken wheel barrows, and all sorts of containers can be repurposed and give a unique flair to your garden. A little paint and patience can turn those bland terracotta pots into unique works of art, at a fraction of the cost. Pieces of leftover and broken tiles can also be glued onto the pots with a special cement to create beautiful mosaics. 

In short, before making a trip to the garden center, take a look at the treasures that you already have in front of you keeping in mind the four"R" of green living: Reduce, Reuse, Recycle, Rebuy and, happy gardening!


Have some green tips of your own for our readers? Feel free to write to us at newsletter@laminart.com, your idea might wound up in an upcoming issue of The Source.