A/E firms that have low claim frequency and severity, that are not engaged in more difficult projects like condo work or bridge design, that have strong balance sheets (AR’s do better than average in the industry), and that have proficient internal controls which can be clearly presented as well as low employee turnover still stir up plenty of competition amongst insurance carriers.

However, it has become evident due to some more generalized market conditions that rates will have to be increased within the next twelve months.

Significant losses in their investment portfolios that must be “marked to market” under Financial Accounting Standard Board (FASB) rules. Under-performing investment portfolios and the inability to achieve 15% return on investment by the industry (the standard performance benchmark) will force carriers to push rates higher.

Reinsurance covers are usually negotiated on July 1st or January 1st of the year, and it is more than probable that reinsurance costs will rise. Increased reinsurance costs or even the assumption of more net risk by primary carriers will inhibit and retract interests in less certain ventures. Generally, when increased risk cannot be passed to someone else or the cost increases, the end purchaser will have to cover the difference.

An increase in frequency of claims as a result of economic decline in the construction industry will cause continued deterioration in the A/E space. Less available financing, decreased tax rolls for projects funded by the government, and aggressive sureties desiring to regain losses are causing many once relatively small issues to turn into all-out litigation. Owners, developers, and contractors that were once flexible about working out problems with the design team are under increased pressure and less capable to do so.

It is my guess that any built environment counsel will see similar trends and hints leading to these conclusions.

Timothy Esler, CPCU, is a Principal with Fenner & Esler Insurance Agency, a boutique insurance brokerage and risk management organization representing architects and engineers countrywide. Tim’s complete original articles are published in The Zweig Letter.

Oftentimes, we associate renovation with our existing budgets, or on a larger scale, on the current economic state. However there may be some renovations for your home that you should not postpone. In fact a lot of home renovations when dealt early can actually help you spare some money in the long run. Renovate your home not only for aesthetics purposes but also to make your home eco-friendly. Here are some home renovation ideas:

1. Add a small extra padding for your attic. This will help reduce energy use and thus be more cost-effective in the long run. Proper insulation can slice heating and cooling bills by 10%.

2. Renovate your windows by upgrading old single-pane windows with Energy Star qualified windows. These window types can save you a lot when it comes to energy bills. Energy Star qualified windows normally more than a couple panes of glass, warm edge spacers between the window panes and better framing materials

3. Water heater is another of most home’s major energy expenditure. Not only that, it accounts a large chunk of the household’s monthly energy bill. It’s time to renovate your heater if your present one is more than 10 years old. Why? If your water heater is old, it is most probably working at a less effective rate, with an efficiency level of 50 per cent or lower. However, you can still spare some money by insulating the water heater with a water heater jacket. You can buy water heater jackets at most hardware stores or by lowering the temperature setting on the water heater.

There are many benefits in making energy saving renovations to your abode. These renovations can shrink your energy use and thus save you money in the long run. Energy-saving renovations can improve your indoor air quality, and your overall comfort level.

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Most environmental consulting and A/E firms are carefully evaluating their overhead items to reduce their costs. Professional Liability insurance premiums and the variable costs associated with deductible obligations (post loss) are usually two of the larger single line items after rent, payroll, and health insurance.

The costs associated with professional liability insurance are greatly influenced by how you and your firm are presented during the application process.

It is vital to realize that subtle clarifications or changes can significantly affect costs.

Below are some of the ways in which we help our clients better describe themselves to PL underwriters during the application process.

1. Clearly identify what you do with appropriate percentages. Seemingly simple, but it is important to be accurate:

Architects may think they would describe their work as completely architectural, but they often provide specifications classified as Interior Design services which yield significantly lower costs due to the lower-rated service type.

A civil or structural engineer involved in bridge design and inspection is classified under “Bridge Design” as one of the highest-rated service types. Perhaps, some of these services can be described as other service types such as “Highway Design” and there are instances of inspections that can be classified as “reports/opinions” (both alternate classifications are much lower-rated than Bridge Design).

2. Clearly identify your direct reimbursibles (DRs). Travel, per diem, reproduction costs, mileage charges, etc., are considered DRs (although sub-consultant pass-throughs are not). The industry standard is 3% to 6% for DRs (some engineers engaged in Department of Transportation work will have DRs higher than 10%). Clearly identifying those costs should reduce your ratable base (and, correspondingly, your premiums) by the same percentage. I have quite a few clients who will say that they do not track these costs because they don’t like to “nickel and dime” their clients. They charge a fixed fee, or their rate contemplates these costs. OK. Fine. However, you still can include a “best guess estimate” of what the DRs will be as a percentage of your gross. For example, a $30,000 premium that does not take into account DRs of 6% results in overpayments of $1,800 annually. This tip alone covers the cost of your The Zweig Letter subscription.

3. Make sure to identify your abandoned projects; most architect and engineering firms over the past year and a half have provided design services for projects that will never be completed. Loss of funding, changes in plans, sale of undeveloped property, and bankruptcy can all cause projects to be abandoned. There are insurance carriers out there that will require their clients to list abandoned projects and exclude coverage for claims related to them. I would warn against this because it is still possible for a law suit to occur even if the project does not go forward. Other insurance carriers will give you the opportunity to identify the revenue associated with your abandoned projects and remove them from your “ratable revenue” to yield lower costs.

Timothy Esler, CPCU, is a Principal with Fenner & Esler Insurance Agency, a boutique insurance brokerage and risk management organization representing architects and engineers countrywide. Tim’s complete original articles are published in The Zweig Letter.

The first thing you need to deal with when you decide to move is the packaging supplies. When you go to a store and start to look at the options in front of you it is easy to get overwhelmed with everything that is available these days. Boxes in a variety of shapes and sizes need to be purchased, but of course you need to know how many to buy. Discussed below are some simple tips to get you through the moving process.

If you are moving large items like kitchen appliances and furniture, write down the dimensions of each item and take it with you so that you can be sure you are getting the right sized boxes for the. Never buy any box that is either to big, too small or the exact same size as the item. The right box will have about a one inch space on all sides after the item has been placed in it.

Also make sure you pick up enough packing supplies to stuff the extra space of the boxes, wrap delicate items, tape all of the boxes closed and to label what each box contains and what room it goes in. This makes unpacking much easier.

Electronic items should never be packed together. When your moving, things can get broken very easily so it is extremely important that you have packed everything correctly so that you minimize that risk.

All of these tops are very helpful when you are doing all of the moving by yourself. However, if you have chosen a moving company to do things for you than you don’t have to worry about any of these details. This can ease the stress of moving for a lot of people.

When the time comes to get everything packed and moved, your moving company will have all of the packaging supplies to get the job done right. They usually even offer the choice of having different types of items, like clothes, packaged in boxes together.

If you are planning to go to a new place or town, you will find that you need more packaging supplies. You also do not want to forget that you will need a few cardboard boxes to pack things into.

With so many people starting to understand the benefits of going green, there is a sudden interest in wind power but not too many people really know what it is all about. Wind power is simply using wind to make energy like electricity by the use of wind turbines.

Even though wind power is a great source of unlimited clean energy, it is used to produce a mere 1.5% of the world’s electricity. With every year, though, it is becoming more widely used.

With the increasing awareness of the benefits offered by wind power and of course, the peril we place our very planet in by not switching to alternative energies, wind power becomes a more and more attractive energy source. Some countries have made more progress than others - for example, Denmark currently produces nearly a fifth of their electricity from wind power.[youtube:c62xOPaS0YA;[link:Windmill power generators];http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c62xOPaS0YA&feature=related]

Portugal and Spain have able eleven percent wind power usage. And it is seven percent in the Republic of Ireland and Germany. Even though it would seem like a natural transition being wind power has historically been used for pumping water, grinding grain and propelling sailing ships, it has only been until the recent years that it was being used for the production of energy that can be used as electricity.

It is true that some people say that wind farms are less than attractive - but given all of the benefits they have to offer, it’s easy to come to terms with the aesthetics of wind power. Wind power does not produce pollution and provides clean and renewable energy.

But does wind power really stop with producing electricity for our homes, businesses, and schools? The answer is no and that is because there is a chance that someday, our cars could actually run with the help of wind power. There was a super car designed in California that can drive at speeds of up to 155 miles per hour without using the typical fuel that we are all used to.

The car uses a battery (which is solar powered) to start, but once started it can run on the energy generated by the circulation of air through the car. It seems that wind power has even more uses than anyone thought. With the potential to power not only our homes but also our cars, it seems that there are no good arguments to be made against the use of wind power.

Of course, those who live near the wind farms may think otherwise. There are complaints that the wind farms bring with them a lot of noise that can disturb the local residents. Then again, there are those who state that these wind farms produce less noise then a herd of sheep.

It is all in the eyes, or ears, of the beholder apparently. But in the end, decisions will be made based on what is best for the environment of the planet, not what the local residents want to have views of.

Want to learn how to build a wind generator? It’s simple and you’ll be able to build a strong generator that doesn’t cost very much money. Learning how to build a home wind turbine can really reduce your power bill and help stop pollution, too.

Cardboard boxes are best used as packaging boxes and are quite different from the corrugated ones which are extremely strong and hold any amount of weight and pressure. The cardboard boxes come in single, double and triple walls and needless to mention the triple wall cardboard boxes are the strongest of the entire lot and is used to move heavier items. Cardboard boxes are the main thing used in the world of packaging supplies.

An Eco-friendly way of packaging is the cardboard box. Not only are the boxes friendly to the environment but they are also cost effective, thus making the cardboard box the most ideal way to package. When considering shipping it is recommended that you use cardboard boxes as they are light and therefore do not add any extra cost. Adding a name, address and any other details that are needed to a cardboard box is also simple. When thinking of loading heavier good care must be taken.

If you are hiring professional help for packing and unpacking, they will come with all the packaging supplies and also the required number of boxes for relocation.

When one hears of cardboard boxes, they immediately are reminded of the ones that are available in the food stores or other stores. These are indeed flimsy and will not hold a lot of items, but there are cardboards of superior quality that are available with the professional packers and movers which will hold many items of a heavier weight.

When transferring goods over long distances it is important to opt for high quality cardboard boxes, as these will not get damaged even under extreme pressure. Cardboard boxes are perfect when carrying perishable items and non-perishable items. Big companies are also using cardboard boxes to deliver their electronic goods in. Placing tape around the cardboard box is advised, even though the cardboard box is of a strong quality. It is always better to have the unnecessary worry of the safety of the contents of your package.

For expert advice about what packaging materials you will require, please visit Aspak.co.uk for cardboard boxes and a complete range of packaging materials.

When designing any home, you have to pay special attention to the impact of such environmental conditions as hurricanes, heavy rain, snowstorms, flooding, earthquakes, etc. If one is designing a floor plan where there is a risk of a natural disaster, it is essential to make sure the plan is one that is able to resist environmental damage.

Project planning for homes mitigates the risk of natural disasters is a key feature to protecting the home and family. For instance, rooms should be designed to allow quick and easy exit out of a home in the event of a fire. If bedrooms are located on the second floor of a home, you have to make sure there is a quick and accessible exit where one does not have to go through a number of rooms to get to the stairs.

As well, there should be more than one way to exit in case fire is blocking one of the exit routes. If you live in a forested area and are concerned about wildfires, you can cover vents and other openings with a wire mesh to prevent sparks and flaming embers from entering the home. Porches, overhangs, and balconies can lock in heat so they should either be avoided or minimized. Because excessive heat passing through windows can ignite a fire, one should consider fire resistant shutters or drapes or triple pane thermal glass for rooms that have large windows such as the living room.

Flooding is another consideration that must be taken into account when designing a floor plan. If a home is going to be built in a flood prone area, one has to consider whether it would be beneficial to build above the ground; that is, without a basement. For instance, building the lowest floor that is above flood level. As well, if there is a risk of flooding, one has to consider designing rooms so that they are water tight. For instance, one could arrange for the rooms that are not considered critical parts of the home so that the most important rooms are protected from flooding.

For events such as severe windstorms, tornadoes, and hurricanes, floor design plans should include an easily accessible room where the entire family no matter where they are located in the home, to be able to quickly access a “safe room.” This room will be designed with safety in mind to protect the family in the event damage takes place throughout the rest of the home.

The continual changes in our climate have significantly increased the hazardous risks to our homes. Hurricanes, tornadoes, flooding, and wildfires, have drastically increased in their severity. We have all seen the tragic impact of natural disasters on homes and lives in the news.

When designing a floor plan, it is essential to take the environmental risks into consideration so that you minimize the risks of damage and make sure the occupants have a safe exit and safe room to stay during a severe natural disaster. When you build a home that takes the threat of natural disasters into consideration, you will greatly increase protection of your home, belongings, and most importantly, your loved ones.

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For those who celebrate Christmas, the holiday would not be the same without a Christmas tree. A tree adds to the beauty and spirit of the season. A real Christmas tree can also add the scent of pine. There is a hazard however, the hazard of fire, especially with real trees. Around 400 residential fires each year involve Christmas trees. Tragically these fires average nearly 40 deaths and over 100 injuries as well. In the hope of preventing these fires, Florida engineering Solutions offers the following safety tips.

To test the freshness of a live Christmas tree before you buy it, tap the tree on the ground. The fresher the tree, the fewer green needles it will lose. A 6 foot Christmas tree will lose about a half gallon of water per day. As a tree dries, the fire risk goes up dramatically. Make sure your tree stays fresh and moist, follow these steps: To help the tree absorb water, cut an inch or two off the bottom of the trunk. Make sure your tree stand holds at least a gallon of water. Add an ounce of bleach to the water in the stand. Be sure to fill the tree stand with water daily.

Look for a label that says “Fire Resistant” when buying an artificial Christmas tree. The presence of this label does not guarantee the tree will not burn, but that the tree will resist burning and be easily extinguished. As for metallic trees, never add electrical lights to them. Faulty lights could case the tree to become charged and become cause an electrocution.

When placing any tree, locate it near an outlet so that extension cords will not run long distances. Do not place the tree where it may block exits. Keep all trees away from flames and heat sources.

The National Fire Prevention Association says more than 15% of all Christmas tree fires are caused by improper or defective lighting. To keep your home and family safe, use lights correctly. Do not use indoor lights outdoors. Before decorating the tree, carefully inspect the wiring of lights and other electrical decorations. Look for cracked sockets, frayed wires, and loose connections. Replace the string if you find problems.

Other Christmas electrical safety tips include: Don’t connect more than 3 strings of Christmas lights together Don’t connect more than 3 strings of lights to one extension cord. Never run extension cords underneath rugs. Always unplug lights to replace bulbs and fuses. Always unplug decorations before leaving home or going to bed. Never using candles on or near any tree, whether artificial or fresh.

To many, the Christmas tree is at the center of the celebration in the home. To ensure a safe holiday season and protect your family, follow a few simple Christmas tree safety rules. Buy the freshest Christmas tree you can. Locate the tree in a safe location and keep it well watered. Decorate it with safe decorations. Finally, dispose of the tree when it starts dropping needles.

The structural engineers at Florida Engineering Solutions have provided the above fire safety tips in the hope of preventing fires. They have the knowledge and experience to quickly evaluate fire damage and provide engineered repair drawings to meet the requirements of local building departments. We can help get your fire restoration project moving quickly.

A structural engineer is critical to the integrity and longevity of any building, bridge, or other structure. The longevity of a building relates directly to its sustainability. The longer the structure lasts, the less construction is needed to replace it. Areas of the country that face natural hazards such as earthquakes, hurricanes, and tornadoes are especially reliant on experts in the field of structural engineering.

Few people actively consider the effect of structural engineering on their lives. Yet on a daily basis they cross bridges, work in buildings, and live in apartment complexes designed by, and made safe by, structural engineers. Some construction companies hire their own engineers and others are employed by local government agencies to ensure adherence to building codes and other regulations

A structural engineer understands the dynamics of weight distribution, settling of the ground, water damage, and wind, to name just a few of the many factors that come into play. For example, during the construction of the original World Trade Center in the’70s, structural engineers had to figure out how to keep the water from the East River and Hudson River from undermining the integrity of the future towers.

The World Trade Towers were to become the tallest buildings in the world at that time. The structural engineer had to find a way to keep the rivers out of the footprints for the towers. The solution finally chosen was that of a “sludge wall.” Another problem to be tackled was that of wind. The structural engineer in charge then had to ensuring that the structure could stand the constant high winds at the peak of the towers without damage.

Structural engineering is a complicated field that requires intense education and study and the ability to see all potential problems a building or project will face. Structural engineering in Florida, for example, must take into account the force of hurricanes as well as the high water on the often low ground throughout the state.

Structural engineering helps to determine the longevity of any project. When millions of dollars are at stake, the project isn’t intended to be short-term. A structural engineer will consider all factors and the effects nature and time will have on it to make sure the structure lasts as long as possible. They also need to allow a degree of flexibility in any structure designed. Too much or too little flexibility in a structure can become dangerous.

A bridge, for example, may be required to offer some flexibility, especially for high winds or water movement, but too much flexibility would not create a safe and passable structure for vehicles, pedestrians, or trains, for example. A structural engineer will take into account all facets of stability, weather, natural phenomena, and intended use when they survey and help design the project.

A structural engineer is critical to any modern construction project. Structural engineering was critical in many of historic projects such as the pyramids or the Roman Coliseum. As modern society embraces sustainability, an experienced engineer and their team, will become even more important.

Florida Engineering Solutions is committed to provide the structural engineering services, plans, and support you need to complete your projects. We offer state-of-the-art analysis and design, and quick turnaround for all your commercial projects. Our professional structural engineers are ready to help. Contact us today.

There is a lot of innovation going on in the packaging materials industry, and there is bound to be much more coming our way. If you look back and see where this innovation actually started, you will realize that it did with a few specialist companies coming up to manufacture only different packaging solutions. Earlier, it was just the plain old cardboard boxes and most of them were either made in-house or purchased from a standard supplier.

Over the last ten years or so, consumers have become more aware of quality of packaging as people expect a decent shelf life on more or less all the products they buy. Possibly the biggest innovation in terms of packaging foodstuffs was when Tetra Packs broke into mainstream packaging. Tetra Packs increased the shelf life of perishable foods like milk by a huge amount, making consumers feel more inclined to buy in bulk, which is of course, a win-win situation for both customer and company.

But this revolution is not just restricted to the packaging materials used in perishables. Take for instance Bubble wrap. All of us would remember popping the bubbles as children, and bubble wrap has become stronger and is making a comeback today. With a tremendous rise in the number of consumer electronics being sold worldwide, there is a need for packaging which can protect the products during transportation.

The other kind of packaging material that has become so common in the recent times is the clear stretch wrap. With hygiene becoming of paramount importance, people no longer want to take a chance, and they trust the quality seal of clear stretch wrap.

If you observe, the usage of packaging materials has permeated all the levels down to the customer himself. When we are shifting home or shipping something, we also use bubble wraps and clear stretch wraps today!

For expert advice about what cartons you will require, please visit Aspak.co.uk for cardboard boxes and a complete range of packaging materials.