When building a new home, people like to spend money on things they can see every day such as better cabinets and countertops or carpet.  They do not think about some of the comforts that will make their home more cost effective and save them money in the long run such as higher rated insulation and windows or higher efficient heating and air conditioning equipment.  When building a new home you should take the time to research the savings on installing higher efficiency heating and air conditioning equipment and speak with their heating and air conditioning contractor.  Heating and air conditioning contractors can calculate the amount of money you would save per year with different efficiencies of furnaces, heat pumps or air conditioners.  Another thing to consider is the indoor air quality options available such as high efficient air cleaners, humidifiers or ultra-violet lights.  These products help with allergies as well as preserving the wood in your new home which can dry out in the winter and warp your floors or crack your cabinetry.  Another product new home builders might consider is an electronic damper system, which creates zones in your new home that controls each room or a specific area with its own thermostat that opens a damper and only conditions that room or area to what specific temperature you might like in that room or area.  This damper system can create exact comfort in each room or area, such as a babies’ or child’s bedroom that might need to be a little warmer than the other bedrooms.  The damper system also creates a savings for the home owner by having better control on areas that do not require as much heating or cooling in rooms that are not used as often or only at specific times during the day.  Darren Kauk, owner of Absolute Comfort Heating and Air Conditioning, says the biggest questions or complaints he hears from customers after they purchase a two-story home is that the upstairs is too hot in the summer and the basement, lower level or rooms located in the extremities of the house are too cool during winter.  His most important piece of advice for anyone building their new two-story dream home is to sit down and talk to your heating and air conditioning contractor to discuss installing more than one system or a damper system so that your new dream home is absolutely comfortable.  Absolute Comfort Heating and Air Conditioning installs Goodman heating and air conditioning products and is the largest Goodman dealer in Lincoln.  Goodman has one of the best warranties in the business for their heating and air conditioning equipment.

Though John Henry’s Plumbing Heating & Air Conditioning is not generally involved with the process of new home building, they have a lot of experience over the years with improving the quality of systems that were installed incorrectly from the beginning or were not what the client had initially expected.  Lindsey Reinke, of John Henry’s, says that there are always ways to fix problems but it is optimal to do it right the first time.  A recent trend with the rise of costs associated with building a new home is to go cheap, but this is the opposite of what you will really need in the long run.  You usually get exactly what you pay for, so Reinke advises to stay away from the cheap theory and utilize professionals to install quality equipment.  Your health and comfort should ALWAYS be the most important consideration, with energy savings trailing at a very close third.  Reinke also advises to avoid fancy faucets that are difficult to find parts for because at some point those faucets will need to be repaired. There have been over 6,000 types of faucets available through the years which means many parts are not available long-term or may be more difficult to locate as time passes. Moen faucets historically have been a great choice as the quality is excellent and price is very reasonable.  It seems the Moen commercial says it the best, “Buy it for looks. Buy it for life.”  It’s important to make good decisions in choosing all plumbing fixtures.  Through the years, John Henrys has found Lennox and Trane equipment to be an excellent choice for their customers. Lennox and Trane equipment holds up well during challenging Nebraska weather extremes and their factory support and warranties are very user-friendly.  If you build a new home, Reinke recommends making sure to get all equipment serviced so it operates efficiently and lasts. Moreover, manufacturers typically require routine maintenance to keep from voiding warranties. Our community is blessed with an exceptional City of Lincoln Building Codes Department that has done an excellent job of protecting us. The weak link in building new homes is in other areas when the major reason to make decisions is to cut costs. If you decide to build a new home, do your homework and check out references. Also make sure your contractor has a good rating with the Better Business Bureau. Truth is a patient hunter and in time the results of our decisions always seem to catch up to us.  Reinke has found through the years that they have never had to apologize for good quality. That’s an important concept when you are building a new home!

If you are building your dream home, you want it to be an extension of yourself and to communicate your style through your design and the appearance of the products and services you choose.  This not only goes for the interior space of your house, but the exterior as well.  JL Exteriors provides installation of a full range of their exterior products to accommodate all tastes, including siding, stucco, roofing and gutters, windows, doors, and deck options.  Lance Roach, owner of JL Exteriors, advises to use a variety of products and textures, such as mixing up some stone, siding and stucco to make your design interesting and stylish.  He adds that you can achieve style while incorporating products that are durable, create clean lines, and require minimal maintenance.  With the growing cost of building and maintaining a home, picking the right exterior features and products should involve an investment in aspects that serve the functions of beauty AND protection.

As far as planning the details of building your new home prior to the actual construction process, J.R. Knopp of Third Generation Builders says the first thing you should figure out is where you want to be.  One of the hardest aspects of building a new home is finding the perfect lot. After you have an idea of location, lot size and available spaces, your next step is figuring out what type of home you want. Some things to consider:  style of home and square footage (e.g. two-story, split-level, ranch), style of floor plan (e.g. open or sectioned, number and size of rooms), what kind amenities you want in the house, and if you want a finished basement.  Knopp takes his clients around to several different styles of houses and floor plans from a variety of builders in order for them to have a well-rounded idea of what’s out there and available, while he takes notes on what they like and do not like, and the reasons for their preferences. Third-Generation Builders prides themselves on being hands-on and constantly interacting with their clients throughout all the proper steps of the building process.  Knopp says that communication is very important, and he likes to sit down with clients to initially gauge what they really like, want and need in their next home, or revisit these ideas after touring other homes in order to build a custom floor plan that reflects the information his client has provided.  This also includes providing clients with suggestions based upon his experience in order to make it as easy as possible for them to make final decisions and get the best value out of their home.  Another good starting point when designing your dream home is to find out where you spend the most time in your current house, begin with that area as a central location making it the nicest point in the house and flow out from there with the floor plan. For some people that’s a nice covered porch or a huge master bedroom with the big walk-in closet and bathroom, while for others it may be a giant man cave in the basement or a nicely finished recreation room or play area for the kids, and it may even be the garage and how many stalls or the space and function desired.

Bo Jones, of Tru-Built Construction, also emphasizes the importance of the planning phase in building your future home, as it is a process that you can’t just jump into.  Jones estimates that a home build can require seventy or more different trades for completion, which requires significant budgeting and coordination.  He also recommends consulting with a lender in the very beginning to see your qualifications, and adds that this allows you to be disciplined when you are visiting existing homes to ensure that you are not visiting homes outside of your price range which can be very frustrating once you fall in love with features that aren’t realistic for your budget or needs.  When visiting existing homes within your price range, it is helpful to create a priority list of desired features, and then translate those onto paper in a working blueprint format.  Jones advises to not be alarmed if the design and planning phase takes as much or more time than the actual building phase, because the time you invest in planning also work to help eliminate confusion and frustration with fewer last minute decisions that will need to be made, and thus coordinated, with all parties involved.  When choosing a builder, you are also choosing the team that they have formed, so it is important to thoroughly research their company and who they source for certain projects ahead of time.  When visiting homes and evaluating your finances, consider a home’s total cost of ownership.  The mortgage payment is a big part of the equation, but certainly not the only thing to consider.  Spending a little extra money up front on energy saving features such as windows, insulation, appliances, and efficient lighting, heating and cooling will repay you every month with lower energy bills.  The Energy Star program is a great way to ensure a home is built the highest energy saving standards, and Jones points out that some of their Energy Star homes are seeing estimated heating and cooling costs of only $250 per YEAR!  With other aspects, you may want to consider how long you plan on staying in the home you are building as well as the amount of necessary maintenance.  For example, installing lower quality windows, siding, and shingles may cut your costs initially, but they are items that wear easily and will need to be repaired regularly or replaced altogether if they are not durable which will end up costing you far more in the long-run.  Jones says that if you are considering whether to include an option during the build or to hold off until a later date, you should always keep in mind that there will never be a better time to install it than the initial build, as it will never be easier and probably never be much cheaper.  However, with this in mind, try not to max yourself out so that you have some space in your budget for fun stuff once you are ready to move in, like new furniture or decorations.

A new home requires so many items, options and decisions that it can be sometimes overwhelming for even the most well prepared people.  Ray’s Lawn & Home Care is a great addition to the team you will be assembling, as they can provide you with their extensive landscaping skills and expertise throughout all phases of the planning and construction process.  The most important service they provide in the early stages of building a new home is that of a consultant who can answer any questions that may arise.  Once the home design is complete and the layout of the home on the site, including the orientation of the home with respect to the entire lot as well as the yard space available, is set, the consultant role turns into a designer role.  This is extremely important because an experienced landscape designer can help direct future homeowners away from costly oversights.  Aside from the design work, Ray’s Lawn & Home Care can also implement the landscape plan which might include retaining walls, patios, outdoor kitchens, and of course, plants.  A great landscape plan recognizes that plants take time to mature.  For most perennials and ornamental grasses that may be a single season, while for most shrubbery, it may take three to four seasons to mature and for trees you’re looking at many years–maybe even generations.  The proper spacing of this plant material is also very important.  Small plants and shrubbery can be transplanted after several years in the ground with great success and not much effort. Trees, on the other hand, should be planted with great vision and care. Planting a tree too close to your new home or a neighboring structure can cause damage during the trees’ growth further down the line. Ken Svoboda, co-owner of Ray’s Lawn & Home Care, suggests that you utilize a professional to help with the proper location of all landscape plants to ensure their health and long term benefits.  Additionally, he recommends the inclusion of a reputable, experienced landscape designer as early as possible in the design process.  A home builder is very qualified in the art of construction, and in many cases design aspects as well, but there are so many new products introduced in the landscape market each year that it’s tough for even landscapers to keep track of them all.  An experienced landscape designer can help the phasing-in of a master landscape design. Sometimes the add-on costs of construction can stretch a budget to the limit, and a master plan and thoughtful phasing can give a new homeowner their ultimate design without breaking the budget.

The exterior appeal of a new home is just as important as the interior, and Sue Crawford of Precast Products also emphasizes the importance of planning landscaping ahead so it can be completed in stages.  Planning ahead is crucial whether you hire a professional or will be doing the work yourself, as many facets of the exterior are partnered with or will factor into what is going on with the building process inside.  It is amazing how many options are available for each product you may be considering, for example, there are a number of different color choices and sizes for flagstone and bulk landscape rock mulch.  Precast Products is a material supplier, but do not do installation, so they will work with you or your contractor throughout the project to guarantee you know all the available options in order to make educated decisions on what you like, need, or will be the best fit and will tie into the rest of your design.  Precast Products offers all types of quality landscape material from brands such as Versa-lok and Anchor retaining wall products, as well as pavers for patios.  Crawford also recommends considering egress window wells for your basement.  You may not finish your basement right away, but when you do in the future, you will need egress for the rooms such as a basement bedroom to meet fire regulations.  They are an important part of turning a basement into a livable space, as they provide an additional exit in case of a fire or other emergency, are a great source of natural light and improve both ventilation and air quality. It is best to have this type of feature taken care of during the initial building process, and to take into account how you will manage drainage.  The ScapeWEL is a great way to add light and living space to your basement area, and meets building code requirements for emergency egress in finished basement areas.  There are also innovative step designs that, in addition to the emergency feature, can be landscaped with plants for added visual enhancement.  ScapeWEL features maintenance free high-density polyethylene construction and is available in a number of sizes to accommodate virtually any foundation height or window dimension.

As most experts will tell you, the first step to take when pursuing building a new home is looking into financing the project.  Starting the process of financial planning for building a new home, or even asking the questions as to how the process works, should be done as soon as you begin looking online at plans or talking with architects and builders.  Once a person dedicates time to planning the home or researching a new home, time should be made to meet with a lender.  That meeting will help the customer with any misunderstandings or unknowns, reduce time-wasting activities and hopefully clearly define the path for moving forward.  This is incredibly important to do right away, as all of our featured experts stress that this will set the tone for your entire project and furthermore, this will give you accurate expectations to set you up for success!

Wade Johnson, of Midwest Bank (MWB), says that you should first sit down with a mortgage banker to explore your options and determine what size home you can afford to build. It is important to have your banker explain the construction process and how their financial institution handles disbursements between the builder, title company and yourself to ensure everyone is on the same page. Secondly, have your banker explain the fees associated with obtaining construction financing and how those will carry over to permanent financing along with their institutions lending guidelines. Finally, understand your allowances given to you by your builder, and how any overages will affect your financing process.  Johnson adds that establishing a good relationship with a financial institution and reputable builder is very important because it takes time to understand each individual customer’s needs as no one situation is the same. Ultimately what is best for the customer will be the best for all parties involved in the process.  Midwest Bank’s service for the construction loan process first starts by understanding a customer’s financial plan and how MWB can help them achieve success. During the building phase, Midwest Bank will work closely with your builder and title company for handling monthly disbursements to ensure no unforeseen liens are placed on your property and your dollars are being handled with the utmost care.  Midwest Bank will also provide on-site inspections to ensure the items you are paying for are being placed in the home. Finally, upon nearing completion Midwest Bank will ensure you get into a great long-term mortgage, thus making the process from start to finish seamless for the borrower.  In planning for new home construction, Johnson advises borrowers to allow themselves at least two months to finalize plans with their building and obtain construction financing.  Midwest Bank has been in business for over 60 years helping families across Nebraska create memories in their dream homes, and they invite you to visit one of their nine banks to experience community banking at its best.

Wayne Kreikemeier of The Nebraska Bank of Commerce (NBC) stresses to never assume anything.  It’s important to set an appointment with a bank that offers construction financing and long-term financing options to ensure that each phase of lending can be accomplished.  You should set this appointment before drawing the plans and talking to builders because understanding the process will help to keep you on budget when it comes to overall price and changes along the way.  When looking at financing, Kreikemeier advises to pay attention to experience and options.  Some banks aren’t actively engaged in the construction lending process, and having a bank that presents options for the construction financing can often times make the process easier on the customer and builder alike.  In addition to the options, an experienced bank will help to answer questions, provide direction and inspect the home throughout the construction phase.  NBC takes an active role in the construction process to ensure the loan advances reflect the level of completion of the home.  By performing site inspections of the homes and disbursing funds through title companies they are working to protect the homeowner, the builder and the bank from future lien issues.  This active participation is not always fully appreciated until you’ve spoken to a homeowner who is trying to clear the title of their newly constructed home from something that could have been prevented.

Taylor Ashburn, Manager & Assistant Vice President of Construction Loans with Union Bank, also suggests that anyone interested in building their own home should find out what they can afford early on in the process.  His initial consultation with a customer centers around pre-approval for all three stages of the process: the Land Loan (if necessary), the Construction Loan, and the Permanent Mortgage Loan.  Every situation is different, and not only is it essential for the potential homeowner to know what is in their budget but it is also prudent for any financial institution to make sure the customer qualifies for the mortgage loan they desire (ie., 30 year fixed) before starting construction.  The mortgage industry is constantly changing.  Ashburn says this approach helps answer any questions the customer may have, but it also ensures the financial institution providing your loan for the project has covered all bases and has been pro-active to avoid any potential surprises with the final mortgage loan.  Obviously interest rates and closing costs are important, and shopping around to find the best deal isn’t a bad idea.  The closing costs can vary tremendously from bank to bank.  However, in Ashburn’s opinion based on his experience, the most important step is to find a lender and a builder who work well together, and who can communicate effectively with each other and with you.  Years down the road, you won’t remember what rate you had for your construction loan. You will, however, remember any “speed bumps” along the way, due to a lack of communication or any general difficulties during the process. Construction Lending is one of the main areas of business for many lenders; they know it inside and out and realize most people only build one or two houses in their lifetime, if any.  It’s important to have open, honest and effective communication throughout the entire process, and it’s vital to work with an expert construction lender and reputable builder.  Ashburn says, “Customers who seek financing for a construction loan from Union Bank are typically approved within 24 hours.  We want to keep the project moving and on-time.  Because we’re family-owned and have decision-makers right here in Lincoln, we provide prompt, timely communication to keep the process moving.  Additionally, we want our customers to relax and let us handle the numbers.  During construction, we monitor monthly draws from the builder, conduct on-site inspections and reconcile costs with the original bids, all free of charge.  Finally, we pride ourselves on the speed in which we pay out the monthly draws.  In most cases, we’ll pay the builder within 24 hours, keeping the project moving forward.”  Again, getting pre-approved for your loan as early as possible is optimal, and during this time it is also a good idea to consult with your financial planner and/or accountant, or begin working with one or both, to make sure the decision to build a home is right for you at this point in time.  Ashburn adds, “I can’t stress enough how important it is to take your time when selecting a builder.  You will be entering into a long-term relationship with this builder; from the initial planning stages, through the months of construction, and finally the one-year “warranty” period after you’ve moved in.  The sign of a good builder is whether or not he/she stands behind their product after it is finished.  Some suggestions for selecting a builder include asking past customers about their experience, visiting different builder’s websites, and touring homes during the Home Builder Association of Lincoln’s “Parade of Homes” each spring and fall.  The Parade is a great opportunity to walk through several houses and meet a few different builders.  Additionally, I always encourage customers to take their time when designing their floor plan and determining the location where their home will be built, as those are things you cannot change once the home is built.”

Mike Barrett, Vice President and Manager of Mortgage Lending at Cornhusker Bank, agrees that it is incredibly important to begin with setting a budget based upon pre-approval for your loan.  From there, you can determine where you want to build and begin to look for a lot or acreage in that area, and you will want to do this before you select a floor plan or any other details.  It is important to choose the location first because you and your construction team will need to investigate factors such as soil condition, drainage, zoning, and covenants in the development.  Afterwards, it is wise to interview a few builders to see who fits with you and your project goals the best, and then you can decide on the floor plan and negotiate a written contract.  A contract for new home construction will describe the project in detail and include a listing of all the parts to be included in the house, usually referred to as specs. Also, remember to amend the contract with change orders if you or your builder makes any changes to the project along the way.  Cornhusker Bank provides both construction loans and end financing when the house is complete.  Furthermore, they offer extended rate lock options for the permanent financing that will give you the peace of mind that your permanent financing is in place, as well as the knowledge of what your payments will be once the project is complete.  Barrett advises that it can take some time to put together all the pieces, especially if you are building a custom home.  Building (or even buying) a home is one of the largest financial transactions you will probably ever be a part of, so planning ahead and being diligent with your research will pay off when it comes to your budget.  Being able to build your dream home is a goal for many homeowners, and working with a team of experts that you have personally selected based on your unique criteria will ensure your success and a positive experience.  You can’t get to the last step without beginning with the first step, so again, make sure you take the time to plan ahead, set a budget, and personally interview and select your team.

Building your dream home will mean that you will be making decisions about every option of your new home, inside and out.  GV Kustom Kitchens provides design services to customers building a new home, as well as all of the interior finish materials that you may need to complete your project.  Not only do they provide cabinetry design and estimates in addition a number of different cabinet lines available to suit various needs, they also offer countertop materials, tile for floors, backsplashes and showers, hardwood and engineered-wood flooring, laminate and vinyl flooring, carpet, rugs, and window treatments.  GV Kustom Kitchens even provides furniture layouts and often helps with new furniture selection.  Building a new home can be daunting, even if you know exactly what you want.  Having a designer help you to narrow down the decisions and guide you through the process makes it much easier.  Lisa Giesbrecht, a designer at GV Kustom Kitchens, says that since the staff are all trained and educated interior designers, they can really help customers put many elements together, taking some of the guesswork and legwork out of building a home.  Additionally, they feel that their job is to take your ideas and turn them into great design by showing you the possibilities.  The staff work very hard not to leave their fingerprints behind, but to truly have your new space be a reflection of you, your family, your lifestyle, and your personal design.  GV Kustom Kitchens can also work to help make decisions when it comes to budgeting, as it is often wise to price out some items you like before beginning the building process to make sure you are including things that you want up-front.  This also includes helping customers determine areas that are okay to cut back and where to spend extra attention.  Giesbrecht adds that when considering building a home, think about your current lifestyle.  Do you spend a lot of time cooking, do you entertain, or are you away a lot?  Then think about what you would change in your current home.  Do you want to learn to cook, entertain more, or spend more time at home?  Working with a designer as you answer these questions can help determine a good fit for floor plans, cabinetry design and furniture layouts, as well as where the focal points should be in your new home.  Giesbrecht also stresses that you should always look at the kitchen layout before building begins; even if you don’t cook often, the kitchen truly is usually where the hub of the house is and where everyone gathers.  Even in small kitchens the staff at GV Kustom Kitchens can create a sense of space through a variety of design elements.  It is never too early in the process to think about where your things will fit, and if they will fit, in your new space.  GV Kustom Kitchens can really help you get the vision for how you will live in your new dream home.

At Vistar Homes, their philosophy is simply to design and build unique and affordable houses that people will love to call home.  Vistar Homes proudly builds homes to fit your lifestyle, and strive to make all of their homes just a bit different than an average home while still incorporating all of the features you are looking for.  They specialize in a variety of styles, including new-urbanism, two-story, townhome and ranch.  The professional sales staff at Vistar Homes can enhance your home buying experience with insight and counsel on home designs, architectural and decorating options, contract details, and information on your neighborhood and community. Additionally, their innovative construction techniques help deliver a quality home with efficiency and value, and trained warranty personnel are ready to assist you so you get the most out of your new home. Vistar Homes also offers a complete appliance package for your new home, including a refrigerator, washer and dryer, which they have found to be a great added convenience. Lois Hartzell of Vistar Homes says a few of the special features that many of their customers have included are painted woodwork, window sills and an orange peel drywall finish because it gives the home a light and fresh look.  She recommends that you don’t go with a builder that doesn’t listen to what is important to you or your personal wants and needs, as most likely the reason you are building is to get the home you want–not the home someone else wants to build you for whatever reasons.  Hartzell also recommends that you consider the “now” and build to fit your lifestyle today, but remember tomorrow always brings change and in the future you may consider selling your dream home and moving on to other possibilities.  This makes the potential resale value and how the home will grow with you important aspects to consider, even during the building process.

For anyone building a new home, Jeff Nelson of Husker Organics offers several recommendations based upon his experience.  First, it will save you money in the long run if you can ensure whoever you hire or enlist to do the finish grading installs at least approximately six inches of high-quality top soil.  He recommends hiring a reputable landscaping company to do this, and it will save you in fertilizer costs, weed control efforts and most importantly, water.  This up-front investment in good top soil will very quickly pay for itself, both in your lawn’s appearance and in your wallet!  Secondly, make sure that you hire a professional irrigation company, and also check their references before committing.  Many companies do not design in such a way that provides good head-to-head coverage or matched precipitation.  This leaves you with uneven coverage and in a year like we had last season, dry spots.  Husker Organics spent a large amount of time last summer re-nozzling sprinkler heads to try and even out irrigation coverage on several properties that were designed poorly.  Nelson, in addition to the other experts mentioned, also stresses that you only get one shot at a quality design.  Your dream home is for you to enjoy, not labor for hours maintaining.  He offers a couple easy ways to reduce your maintenance efforts, with the most important being to install an irrigation system.  Husker Organics encourages a restrictive, “as-needed” use of groundwater, but if you let your lawn and landscape dry out and die, you will be spending more money in repair work, will use more water trying to re-establish plants, and you will be very dissatisfied with the appearance of your dream home.  Additionally, make sure all areas of your landscape are easily accessible for maintenance.  For example, if you are installing a fence around a large turf area, be sure to request a double gate so your mowing crew can access it with larger machines because if they can do it faster, your mowing costs will also go down.  When landscaping your dream home, Nelson advises doing your best to select native plants as they are going to be much more tolerant of our conditions and require less maintenance.  You should always do your own research on any trees or larger plants that show up in your landscape design.  Too often, Nelson and his team sees larger scale trees placed way too close to a home or other structure, which will lead to much greater expenses down the road.  That 15’ tree may look great there now, but what about when it is 40’ tall?  Finally, he recommends a lawn that is a mix of bluegrass and turf-type fescues.  Professional blends of these grasses will generally repair themselves, should minor damage occur, which is a great feature for less maintenance.

Krista Rickman of True Value Hardware Store in Bishop Heights says that even though they are not affiliated with builders in order to give construction advice, they do see many of their customers, who are also homeowners, experiencing problems with their homes as a result of being poorly built.  Accordingly, she recommends installing quality plumbing fixtures, light fixtures, appliances, carpet and flooring in order to minimize many future problems commonly associated in these areas.  Rickman recommends priming and prepping all surfaces correctly before you paint or stain them, and that you should pay a little more for high quality paint, brushes and rollers.  This ensures that the job with be done with no, or very minimal, imperfections and in her opinion, is well worth the investment.  Also, choose the sheen of paint depending on the use and location of the surface being painted.  The shinier the paint sheen, the more wash ability and durability it will have; however, the shinier it is the more it will show imperfections on a surface.  For example, if you are painting a bathroom, kitchen, trim or a child’s room pick a satin or semi-gloss paint.  If you are painting a living room, master bedroom or front hallway a flat or eggshell sheen will work just fine.  Always use exterior paint if you are painting an outdoor surface because exterior paint is designed to expand and contract with changes in the weather.  A local, neighborhood hardware store like Bishop Heights True Value can be a great resource for all your future home projects and repairs.  The True Value stores offer many products for your home, such as interior and exterior paint, all of the painting supplies you will need, cabinet hardware, door locks, kitchen and bath faucets, plumbing materials, tools, and all kinds of lawn and garden supplies.  Rickman also offers several tips that will preserve the investment you have made in materials and labor for your dream home.  First, purchase a quality vacuum cleaner, know what type of filtration system or bag it uses, and change the bag or filter often.  Second, know what size furnace and air conditioning filter your system need and change it often.  Both of these will reduce dust and allergens in your home in addition to preserving your investment in those items.  Finally, a simple but important item that you should always have on-hand is a plunger, as drains and toilets don’t choose business hours or convenient times to clog.  Bishop Heights True Value welcomes all current or future homeowners to visit their store and see for yourself the products and assistance they have to offer for all of your home building and improvement projects.

When doing research on what you will need to assemble your team and your dream home, insulation should definitely be considered.  Nathan Krieser of Krieser Drywall & Insulation says that when working with clients who are building a dream home that they will be in for many years, he always discusses upgrade options—especially on insulation.  There are many things you can upgrade down the road with little disruption to the house, but one thing that is impossible to upgrade later is the insulation in your walls.  As with upgrades, some take only a couple of years to pay for themselves, while others take a bit longer, but insulation will begin to pay for itself instantly once you begin living in your new home.  Krieser Drywall & Insulation is a full service company that focuses on all aspects of drywall and insulation, and has been in business since 1993 with an emphasis on quality and exceptional customer service.  They can insulate and drywall the smallest of remodeling projects all the way up to the building of multi-million dollar homes.  For drywall, they offer a variety of custom ceiling and wall textures that will transform the appearance of any room, as opposed to plain walls that may feel a bit sterile.  They also offer a variety of insulation products and options, from typical batt insulation to blown in blanket system (BIBS) insulation.  BIBS insulation is a technique where netting is stapled to the stud facing with dense fiberglass packed behind, and adds an extra 2-4 R-value depending on the depth of the stud cavity.  Krieser also offers spray foam insulation, and one of their most popular features for upgrades is applying spray foam on the rim joist area between the basement and main level of a house.  Another option is a Hybrid flash and BIBS system, where they spray two inches of closed cell foam on the exterior walls and follow it with a densely-packed netted cavity, and in a 2×6 wall you can expect an R-value of approximately R-28, which is optimal.  In order to insulate attics, they use fiberglass, cellulose, spray foam, or their Energy Star air sealing package.  This involves caulking all framing penetrations, using special baffles above the top plate and air sealing the attic space before they blow the insulation.  They also offer complete home audits with blower door testing by an experienced auditor with recommendations on what is needed to make your home, newly built or existing, more energy efficient.  However, as previously mentioned, it is always better to have your home insulated, with quality and energy efficiency in mind, sooner in the process than later on after the home is built and lived in.

If you are considering building outside of Lincoln, but close enough for convenience, Oak Prairie Estates is a great option.  While enjoying the country setting, it is great to know the excitement of downtown Lincoln is only ten minutes away.  Oak Prairie Estates offers 3+ acre lots with many unique qualities that you will not find with other developments.  The developer is close by and will help with any issues in the building process and the development itself is smaller than most which gives buyers ultimate privacy and a real sense of ownership, unlike larger more commercial developments.  There is a man-made stream that runs into a beautiful lake with two docks and a sand beach.  This gives owners the opportunity to enjoy their own private area in many ways, such as hiking around the creeks and prairies, fishing, swimming, or kayaking in the lake.  Oak Prairie also offers a number of mature trees on each lot.  T.J. Beck, a representative of Oak Prairie Estates, says it is important to find a Realtor and then a builder in that order, or to find a Realtor that represents a builder to make the communication process as smooth and effective as possible.  There are many different builders in the Lincoln area that are more than capable of building a quality home.  The important thing is to find one that you feel you have a positive connection with.  Have your Realtor set up times to meet with multiple builders, even ones they may not represent.  This will give you a chance to go over blueprints, price options and get a feel for what kind of company you are dealing with. Building can be like riding a roller coaster–fun but a little scary and overwhelming at times.  That is why it is so important to find a Realtor and builder that you are comfortable with and you feel are working for you.   Beck also suggests visiting the Spring Parade of Homes or other homes on the market to get ideas on layout, styles and different finish options that is a tangible presentation, as opposed to a test swatch or online resources.  An experienced Realtor or builder will be able to show you all of the many different options that are available.

If you don’t have access to your own lake, you may consider adding a pool or spa. Think of your backyard as an extension of your home.  A well-designed backyard space adds more than square footage and value to your home, it gives your family and friends a place to spend quality time together outside.  Swimming pools and hot tubs are perfect gathering places to relax or entertain.  Jeff Bonsall of Bonsall Pool & Spa advises that the ideal time to install a swimming pool or hot tub is during the construction of your new home.  The staff of Bonsall Pool & Spa includes ten full-time and four or more part-time pool and spa professionals with over 100 years of combined experience, some of which are also qualified engineers.  Several employees have over 20 years of experience in the pool and spa industry! Bonsall Pool & Spa employees also travel all over the country to attend the latest industry technical training seminars available, and have received an A+ rating by the Better Business Bureau.  This all assures that you will get the very best advice, service and products available and that you will be able to enjoy and relax in your Bonsall-built pool or spa for many years. Bonsall emphasizes that they are happy to offer design help as early as possible in the building process, and can consult with you over the phone or at their store location.  By allowing for your pool or spa to be planned and coordinated into the building project, this facilitates a much smoother design and installation process.  Spending a little on design during the construction of the house can save you a lot of money, time and hassle–as with many other features–as opposed to making the decision to add a pool or hot tub later on down the road.  There are plenty of aspects to consider with respect to coordinating your installation of your pool or spa with the construction of the home, and a good designer will also consider things like utilities, electrical, gas, plumbing, irrigation, sod and landscaping.  The last thing you want to do is pay to move the underground electrical service because it was installed right where the pool is going to be.

Building your new dream home should not (and cannot) be a passive exercise. A myriad of decisions have to be made, by you. Where you are unable, or unwilling to make decisions, you will force the builder to make them. To make sure your new home fulfills your own vision, follow these guidelines:

It is incredibly vital that you fully understand the terms of your building contract.  You will be party to a contract involving a massive amount of money when you sign on the dotted line for the construction of your new house. By doing so, you abdicate NONE of your basic legal rights; therefore, know them and exercise them!

Start by reading the contract and understanding it. You are paying (or will pay over the next 25-30 years) for the knowledge of the builders — their experience and ability.  Additionally, you are paying your builders a profit above their expenses. What do you expect in return? How do ensure that you get what you expect?  Are your expectations clearly outlined within the prospective contract?  All of the professionals we have highlighted can offer a wealth of guidance, information, reliable contacts that they have done business with already, and services that are well worth the investment you are making in them.  There are some general guidelines to keep in mind with the overall cost of your new home.  First, the total labor cost will generally run a little higher than your total material cost.  Many builders are also passing along a discount on materials that they have recommended based on partnerships with companies that they regularly do business, so that is a nice advantage to working with these types of professionals.  Secondly, it is not unusual for a builder or general contractor to charge a fee based upon a percentage of the combined labor and material costs for managing the overall project.  Finally, don’t forget to add the cost of site improvements such as utilities, sidewalks, and landscaping when calculating the overall cost of the project.

Additionally, as mentioned by many of our experts, communication is the key to successfully building your dream home.  The process should look something like this:  COMMUNICATE – WRITE IT DOWN – COMMUNICATE- WRITE IT DOWN – COMMUNICATE – WRITE IT DOWN.  Anything you add to the house after the contract is signed, the builder will keep track of; conversely, anything you delete or reduce, YOU should diligently keep track of.

Consider how much space you will actually need and occupy, and plan accordingly.  The average house contains approximately 1,500 to 2,000 square feet, so if you are contemplating more or less space you should also consider your reasoning behind this.  You pay for each square foot of space in your house, whether it is occupied, has viable uses, or otherwise.  Whatever that cost may be, make sure everything has a purpose—or several.  When doing research, you will find that there is a good balance to be found between the cost of options or materials and the quality.  Do not go too cheap, but also do not go too opulent unless that is your main goal.

While you can control just about everything with a building project, some things are okay to estimate.  Don’t expect to control the number of nails or shingles used.  Do expect a substantially built house, free of defects, and in accordance with all applicable codes and regulations.  Moreover, require proof of this compliance at the closing of your mortgage.  Always question anything that just doesn’t look or seem right, as most of the time they are not right, and seek a reliable source of outside, impartial advice—other than your father or uncle, even if he is a builder!  You should pay attention to as many aspects of the process as you can, and during the building process it is beneficial to keep your own checklist of to-dos or concerns so that when the project is done you can review this list to make sure that everything has been attended to and completed properly.  You may also want the contractor to keep a list of things they feel are important to remember or be completed in order to manage different viewpoints and cover all angles.  Have your contractor make their list first, so that you are not micro-managing too much but rather offering more of your focus on what may have been missed.  Experienced builders often have a better eye for things that need to be corrected, so before the builder ultimately leaves your new home for the last time make sure you have done a final walk-through and that everything is as you wanted it to be.  It is also a good idea to consider having an independent home inspector look over the project to offer an outside opinion.  The National Association of Home Inspectors can provide resources and contact information for home inspectors near you, and you can access their website for more information at www.NAHI.org.

You should be prepared to resolve any situations and problems that arise by compromising.  Be aware of what you may be giving up in this process, and be able to examine and understand both sides.  Your builder will be fully capable of doing anything you wish, or finding someone that can, but this will all come with a price.  Consider whether your requests are feasible or unique as opposed to far-fetched, outlandish, or utilize new technology or materials and equipment that have not been thoroughly tested.  Construction can be an imperfect science at times.  Combining natural elements such as site conditions, weather, human error and potentially defective materials means that things could—and will—likely change, so be understanding and open to the process.  Be pragmatic, and absolutely businesslike in all of your dealings with the builders. They are working FOR you; you are not seeking them as new friends (although you will likely be closer after the process, and most are wonderful people).  Also, if a friend or relative performs part of the work, treat them in exactly the same manner and always have a contract, no matter what, who or why.

It is also beneficial to do business with local experts whenever you can, and this can include larger companies as long as they have operations set up in Lincoln.  There are plenty of highly capable, talented professionals that have made home building in Lincoln their main area of expertise.  They will be there for you before and during your building process, but also down the line to help you answer any new questions or assist with problems that may arise.  You will be much happier having local access instead of following the communication trail to track someone down in a year.

The more time and effort spent up-front in programming, planning, designing, and understanding, as well as in establishing specifics of the project, the better the chance for a smoother construction period and a satisfactory result.  Building your dream home is an exciting undertaking full of options and decisions, and can be a great experience if you put together a great team of professionals to help you each step of the way.

Parkway Lanes, located at 2555 S. 48th street, and Hollywood Bowl, located at 920 N. 48th street, both offer the Kids Bowl Free Program, which is open to every youth ages 5-15 in the Lincoln area.  Each child that is registered receives TWO FREE games of bowling, every day from May 1st through September 1st.  Both bowling centers also offer youth leagues for children ages 8-18 that begin in June.  Jennifer Davis-Korn of 48 Bowl says that youth leagues are a great way to introduce your child to a lifetime sport and be involved with their peers.  She also stresses that preparation for any youth activity is key.  Parents are encouraged to register their kids early, before the first day of any program, so that they are guaranteed a spot.  This also helps the program coordinators prepare correct ratios of staffing, assign youth to teams or groups, and plan appropriate curriculum among other factors.  You can find more information on both programs offered through 48 Bowl at Parkway Lanes and Hollywood Bowl by visiting their website at 48bowl.com.

Learning a new skill or hobby takes time, and summer break is the perfect amount of time for laying the foundation of a new skill or hobby your child has been interested in, or improving on an existing talent, while it won’t take the focus away from schoolwork and other school-related functions.  Tim Woosley, Music Director for the Lincoln School of Music, points out that there are wealth of different instrument lessons and music classes that accommodate many different age groups, interests and skill levels.  The Lincoln School of Music offers guitar lessons covering the introduction to basic guitar, which is always very popular. There are genre specific classes, such as “Learning the Blues,” “Intro to Lead Guitar,” “Learn Guitar for Worship,” and even “Songwriting Basics.”  They also offer a “Demo Workshop,” where you write, record and release you own song on a CD or even iTunes if you like. This year they have also included “Building Your Own Electric Guitar” classes and “Learn to Play the Ukulele.” Woosley notes that despite the unique nature of the new classes, they have already sparked a lot of interest from kids, parents and grandparents of all ages in the Lincoln community.  Kids can try out any class that they are interested in, or you could consider taking a class with them and learn a new musical talent together or incorporate it as a family activity!  However, summer is great when you are a kid to just relax and enjoy. As adults we sometimes forget that. Woosley advises parents against scheduling too many activities for their kids, and recommends sitting down as a family to present them with choices and discuss which activities are the most important to them. It is always important to make sure they have time to just hang out and be a kid. You can visit the website at www.lincolnschoolofmusic.com to register for classes and/or receive more details. Everybody always says that there are limited spots, but in this case, it is true.  If you think you are interested in one of the summer camps or classes, Woosley’s best advice is to contact them soon to ensure your spot for the summer.

There are going to be plenty of opportunities and activities to involve you kids in this summer, and Angie Lewis of Corky Canvas adds that since there are so many options and each class or camp is different you should make sure to choose wisely.   Try to pick a few with activities that your kids love, instead of overloading them with many activities that they may not necessarily be interested in.  While being exposed to new things is always beneficial, your child will most likely already have a good idea of what appeals to them and what does not.  Corky Canvas is offering Camp Color Splash from June 17-19, which offers a different art project every day!  Lewis says that if your kids love arts and crafts, they will LOVE this camp.  The cost is $85 per painter for all three days, and the camp is a collective experience so there are no partial date sign-ups offered.  There will be two age groups, the Red Group which is K-3rd graders and the Blue Group which is 4th-8th graders.  The fee includes materials such as canvas, paint, smocks and also includes a light snack.  Once they receive your reservation, Corky Canvas will also send a confirmation email with a questionnaire to gather more information about your child in order to offer them an amazing experience that highlights and fosters their individual talents and interests.  For more information, check out the Kids Tab on their website at www.corkycanvas.com.

If you are in the mood to take a mini road trip with the whole family or want to get your child involved in a great and highly educational summer program, you should plan to visit the Strategic Air & Space Museum, located off of I-80 near Ashland and Mahoney State Park.  The Strategic Air & Space Museum (SAC) is committed to providing guests with engaging experiences that will inspire the young – and the young at heart – as they explore the worlds of aviation, history, science, and technological innovation.  The Strategic Air & Space Museum takes great pride in their unique aircraft restoration program, and are one of the few museums nationwide to have an on-site restoration facility which provides museum guests the opportunity to watch first-hand as SAC’s collection of historically significant aircrafts are brought back to their original glory.

Igniting the thrill of innovation and discovery begins with exciting educational and outreach programs.  Each year, the Strategic Air & Space Museum serves thousands of school children through variety of field trips, overnight programs, and school and community presentations given throughout the region and the state. SAC also strives to present interactive exhibits throughout the summer, and over the course of the year, that enhance focus on science, technology, engineering and mathematics. These temporary exhibits keep the museum experience fresh every time you return. Examples of these special exhibits in the past have included “Robots: The Interactive Exhibition” and “Suited for Space”.  If your summer is already full of activities, you can still plan to attend the upcoming MathAlive! exhibit opening September 21st.  Along with the exhibits, when you visit SAC be sure to stop by their Simulator and MAT (Multi-Axis Trainer) rides and all ages will enjoy the variety of space-themed programs offered in their Planetarium.  SAC also has a different activity every month in their Science Zone and feature one aircraft per month that the public can climb inside and experience history come to life.  Both of these experiences are included in the price of admission – at no additional cost.  The museum hosts annual events as well, such as Helicopter Day & Wings Under the Wings on May 18th and the Family Fun Carnival on August 3rd.  Wings Under the Wings is a high-octane BBQ wing-tasting event under the wings of historical aircraft.  You can start the day with the One-Day ONLY Helicopter Day exhibit, and then fill your afternoon and your stomach with wings from some of the tastiest places in the area.

The Strategic Air & Space Museum’s Education Department is committed to fueling the curiosity of children across the Midwest and educating them with special emphasis in the areas of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM). SAC believes that STEM is a direction of great significance for our youth and the future of our country and world, so they strive for excellence in all of their STEM-centered educational programs.  You can find more information or sign your kids up for one of the many super science summer camps by visiting their website at www.sasmuseum.com.

Research from Johns Hopkins National Center for Summer Learning has shown that children can lose 2.6 months of grade-level equivalency in math and two months in reading on the “summer slide.”  Educators in the fall typically spend four to six weeks getting students back to where they were at the end of the previous academic year according to the National Summer Learning Association.  Kathy Hanrath, Executive Director of Bright Lights, says that this problem can be addressed by encouraging your child to participate in summer learning programs.  This gives your child an opportunity to take learning beyond the nine-month classroom, engage in other learning styles and activities, avoid summer learning loss, all while developing good habits and life-long learning skills.  Bright Lights has over 25 years of experience providing summer enrichment programs from K-9th grade students in a safe, nurturing environment.  Bright Lights is an ideal way for students to maximize the fun of summer vacation while increasing their confidence and potential success for when they return to school in the fall.  They offer small classes with hands-on opportunities in focused areas of interest or to explore a new interest.  In addition to their summer classes and camps, at the end of each program week Bright Lights provides a list of extended learning activities as a resource to keep students engaged if they have found something that they really love.  There are also different scheduling and content options available, including half-day classes or full-day camps.  Most classes are held at Randolph Elementary School, located at 1024 S. 37th street, and registration is now open with a full class listing at brightlights.org.

When looking for a summer activity for your child, it is very important to make sure it is a good fit for your child’s developmental level and individual needs and interests.  Nebraska Cheer Center offers multiple activities for children ages 2 to 18 years old. Regardless of experience, anyone is welcome to join their programs! NCC has classes for beginner through advanced level athletes, and their certified coaches teach tumbling through a safe progression of skills and maximize the amount of time spent in the gym by getting to know each child personally. In doing so, each child’s needs and goals are assessed early on. NCC offers Recreational (non-competitive) Cheerleading, Tumbling Levels 1 (Beginner) through Level 5 (Elite/Advanced), Stunting & Flexibility Classes, Jumps & Conditioning Classes, as well as Birthday Parties and Open Gym sessions.  Nicki Baker, owner of the Nebraska Cheer Center, stresses the importance of meeting the staff and paying close attention to their teaching or coaching techniques.  Are they speaking to the children on their level?  Are they interacting with the athletes while they work?  Does it appear that the children in the class are enjoying themselves?  If you can’t be present for all of the sessions, try to be present for the introductory session or observe when you can to get a good understanding of the interaction that is taking place.  The MOST important aspect to facilitate your child’s learning process is to make sure that you choose a program that pays attention not only to the needs of each specific child, but also a place where your child will be respected, feel important, and where they are cared for as a person, rather than a name filling the class roster.  Nebraska Cheer Center is Lincoln’s only ALL CHEER program, where they specifically focus on Cheerleading, Tumbling Safety & Technique, Stunting, Flexibility, and so on, without having to ‘share time’ with other programs such as dance or gymnastics.  NCC is dedicated to giving each athlete the ultimate cheerleading experience, and also offers the most affordable prices in the area.  As their staff gets to know each athlete they will help them set and reach goals, learn the value of commitment and teamwork, and lead by example in teaching children the importance of maintaining a healthy, active lifestyle!

Phil Burcher, owner of Precision Skateboards, says that skateboarding is a great way for kids to be active and learn a new skill this summer.  Skateboarding is popular among kids of all ages, and Precision Skateboards provides a wealth of equipment in a range of sizes that accommodates different skill levels.  They carry a large variety of boards, and it is important to make sure the board you choose is actually made for use with the bushings individually tailored to the size and weight of your child.  If the board is cheaply made, your child will suffer as it makes it very difficult to learn techniques when you can’t perform fundamental skills, such as steering.  Burcher also stresses the importance of having the proper safety equipment, including a helmet, knee and elbow pads, and wrist guards that fit right in order to provide the correct protection.  If a helmet is not adjusted properly, it will impede learning by being a nuisance and will not serve the function it was designed for.  Also, children outgrow almost all fitted items quickly.  Precision Skateboards offers a solution to this problem by custom fitting helmets with different sizes of pads that can be replaced, for free, as your child grows.

Tiger Rock Martial Arts Academy offers two summer sessions or a combined “train all summer” option for kids and adults to train over the summer break.  These sessions begin June 14th and July 15th.  Registration is open until June 8th for the first session and until July 10th for the second session.  However, each year this program quickly fills to capacity.

Jeff Dousharm, owner of Tiger Rock, says in his experience working with families there are three critical areas that great parents use to evaluate summer program options for kids:

Is it safe?–Not just the activity, but the people facilitating it.  Is it just a bunch of 16-year-olds hired to stand around?  Are the staff trained, certified or qualified in whatever they are teaching or leading?  Are they first aid and CPR qualified?  These are all factors that go into making sure that your child will be safe.  There are many stories of kids being hurt because of poor planning and unqualified program leaders, so parents should do their research and not just assume everything will be fine.

Will my child LEARN something or really improve an area of their life?–There are tons of activities out there.  The question is, what gives you the best return on your investment of dollars AND time.  Kids can have fun AND learn or develop at the same time.  Activities that help build skill sets such as focus and confidence can really give them the edge when they go back to school.

Will my child have FUN?–Besides learning, kids need to have fun!  Why?  Because if it’s not fun they won’t want to go and will get burned out.  You will be dragging them to the activity or worse yet, settling for them quitting.   And if they quit, not only are you out the money, but you also start the trend of telling your child that quitting is ok—not a good lesson in life.

With over 18 years in Lincoln, Tiger Rock Martial Arts has become a very popular option for summer activities for kids and families.  University studies prove the impact that Tiger Rock has on kids.  From confidence and reduced fear of failure to focus and listening skills, Tiger Rock delivers in a very fun and safe environment.  Multiple locations in Lincoln and Omaha make it easy for families to be a part of it all.

Sporting activities are very popular year-round, but summer is a great time to learn fundamentals by participating in a summer camp or can be a great chance for family time if you just want to toss the ball around.  Your child may know what sport they like, but if they have not experienced more than one sport they may not be aware of their options or find out what sport they are talented in.  This makes it important to allow your child to experience or participate in several different sporting activities.  Diane Hesson of Play It Again Sports says this is so important because it allows them to learn skills, exercise both their minds and bodies, and gives them the opportunity to make new friends.  Starting a sport when your child is young is beneficial as they will develop social skills and learn to make exercise part of their daily routine.  While allowing your child to experiment with a sport they excel in, don’t forget that they most likely just want to have fun.  Also, it’s okay if they’re not GREAT at one sport.  There are plenty of sports out there to try, and Play It Again Sports can help make that happen without it breaking your bank.  Play It Again Sports is a full line sporting equipment dealer.  They attempt to stock new and used items in all sporting categories, and a highlight of their business is they work to trade in quality used equipment for other new or used items.  For those children starting their sporting endeavors, their price conscious equipment allows parents to outfit their children for each sport accordingly, and for less money.   You can trade in equipment when your child has outgrown items OR if they decide that soccer just isn’t for them and they’d like to try baseball instead.   Play It Again Sports carries name brands and their trained staff members are always prepared to answer your questions, make recommendations and assist in properly fitting your children with the right equipment.

So many kids are losing their ability to think for themselves, with the instant access that technology has offered.  In fact, studies have shown that attention spans are actually getting shorter due to this instant gratification.  Engaging in activities that involve art on a regular basis can loosen up the right brain and create an opportunity for non-linear thinking.  Urban Legends Art Studio, operated by Anna Alcalde (former art instructor/graphic artist) and Cindy Schroeder (Lincoln business owner/crafter), is a family friendly, “enter-active” art studio that offers a variety of affordable and exciting classes and camps.  Urban Legends mixes art with education, which results in FUN!  One of the more popular classes offered this summer is “The Art of Becoming a Superhero,” where kids will design logos, capes, and story-comic strips in order to define what it takes to be regarded as a hero in real life–such as developing manners, dignity, self-pride and community involvement.  There’s an art to bringing it all together into one awesome young person…KER-POW!  Additionally, for the last class we will order at a local eatery using our new super skills and manners.  Some other classes Urban Legends offers include “If I Had a Hammer,” “Stitchin’, Bobbin’, Weavin’,” and “Bling-It Jewelry.”

You should always consider safety when planning summer activities.  With safety in mind, ask yourself questions and contemplate your answers.  What activities are appropriate for your child’s age? What safety equipment should be on-hand?  For example, if you are swimming do you need to provide a lifejacket?  If your child will be biking or skateboarding, do they have a helmet or knee and elbow pads?  Is there a responsible adult or staff member, or as many as the group dictates, available at all times?  Another important thing to consider is your goals for the summer activities that you choose.  Beyond simply keeping them busy, you will want to keep their development in mind.  Developing social and emotional skills are ongoing for all age groups, and it is a good idea for your child to be involved with peers their own age, as well as kids of other ages.  This enables them to understand their own age with respect to others, encourages extroverted thinking, and gives them the opportunity to have role models as well as to be a role model for other children.  Finally, remember that there is only so much time in the day, so be careful to avoid overbooking yourself and your kids so that summer vacation doesn’t include some down time to rest and enjoy.

Summer activities give your child the opportunity to spend their time engaged in creative projects that offer educational undertones while emphasizing fun and making friends.  This promotes physical and mental activity, and also encourages creative thinking as an approach to life.  In this way, you are preparing your child to be willing to take risks as they learn new skills, and creative thinkers also have the ability to understand that problems have many solutions—so when they encounter an obstacle, they are able to find a way around it rather than giving up.  Summer activities will give your child an opportunity to learn and practice these skills, as well as experiencing what the outside world has to offer firsthand.  For example, even if they follow a project guide exactly, they will still have to make decisions about the shades of colors they prefer, where to place items, or how to correct technical mistakes they have made.  Additionally, since repetition is one of the ways we retain information, once they have been exposed to one type of project they will learn the editing process.  In becoming more comfortable with the skill they are trying, they will also become more creative with the choices they make and more comfortable with exploring their imagination.  Summer activities also encourage children to find the resources to make what they want in order to solve their own problems.  If a tool is already in use, they will be negotiating with their peers and scheduling their place in line for it, as well as exercising patience during the waiting period, all while allocating their time to other aspects of the project.  These lessons are all being presented in a working manner, without your children being distracted from the excitement of their new experience.  You can take an active role in this process by attending a summer activity with your child, or reviewing what they did during the day in order to reinforce what they have learned, thus facilitating their emotional growth and understanding as to why each activity you both have chosen is great for them instead of simply something to pass the time.  Kids absorb everything, so why not position them in the best atmosphere to absorb positive ideas and influences.  Summertime is a great opportunity for your child to enjoy the world outside of the classroom and try something new, so make sure to take advantage of the many wonderful options available in our community!

Ashley Pavlish, owner of Body Nouveaux Spa, offers plenty of great gift ideas that are always popular treats. Among their most popular pampering services are massages and facials, and even if you have given this as a gift before they really don’t ever get old! The staff at Body Nouveaux loves to spoil their clients, and will cozy them up to a nice warm bed and release all of their stresses away. May is a big month for Body Nouveaux, and they offer many specials on a variety of services, including packages if you want to go big. They are a full-service day spa, so you can choose from massages, facials, their incredibly popular Slender Body Wraps, spray tanning services, and other specialty services. Pavlish and her staff like to show their clients that taking time out for themselves is not a selfish thing to do, and she emphasizes that if you take care of yourself you will be able to take care of others even better. If anyone should benefit from this understanding it’s all those fantastic, hard-working mothers out there! If you are a mother buying a gift for your mother, consider making a trip to Body Nouveaux together and create an opportunity for a little bit of quality time. Body Nouveaux wants all of their clients to be new and be YOU, and their staff always looks forward to providing their services to very deserving mothers who almost certainly don’t have much free time to spend on themselves.

Charm bracelets and necklaces offer the chance to personalize a piece of jewelry that will look great on your mother, while accenting fond memories to serve as a constant reminder of how much she is loved and treasured. They also serve as a conversation piece that she can show off and take with her wherever she goes. Cherie Travis, owner of Rachel’s Boutique, offers several different options for building your own charm bracelet or necklace. Rachel’s Boutique carries Brighton and Pandora bracelets, necklaces and, of course, charms for both which come in a variety of styles and each is uniquely crafted to convey a special meaning. Pandora offers a charm made especially for Mother’s Day, and Brighton will also be featuring a special Mother’s Day promotion that will be available at Rachel’s Boutique. Rachel’s also carries a selection of Brighton handbags and sunglasses which are also a highly desirable and functional gift for any woman! In addition to these special ideas, Rachel’s Boutique offers plenty clothing, jewelry and accessories in an assortment of styles and brands, which makes it easy to find something for any taste. Another popular set of items that Travis recommends is the Vera Bradley line of quilted handbags and travel pieces that offer quality, style and function, all of which are components that your mom probably already has on her list of important features. The staff at Rachel’s Boutique would love to help you pick out a special Mother’s Day gift for your loved ones!

Another personalized and meaningful gift idea is a custom framing project. Steve Petersen, owner of Hangups Gallery, says that a popular service they offer for a Mother’s Day gift is creating a framed collage with kid’s art, family portraits, sports pictures and awards, and other photos or items tied to special memories such as vacations or family pets. For grandmothers, you can beautifully frame a family photo or portrait, or custom frame special keepsakes in a shadow box that will serve as a great hand-me-down heirloom. These items are commonly stored away when they could be displayed for your enjoyment. Hangups Gallery also has gift certificates available if you would like to give your mother or grandmother options on what they would like to include instead of surprising them with the finished product. Petersen says that most projects can be completed within a week, but he advises planning ahead on what you want the finished product to look like or what items you want to include for optimal results. Preservation is a key element in custom framing, and not only is it a great gift idea, but also extends the life of your precious items and offers protection so you can display your memories proudly for years to come.

For a great selection of specialty home décor items that will look great as an accent in your mom’s house, Plum Creek Gifts has plenty to offer! Ruth Ann Carpenter, owner of Plum Creek Gifts, recommends several popular items that are perfect for mothers including plaques and pictures with uplifting or personal messages, special floral items that add an extra touch to any space, or their special photo art that can be personalized. Plum Creek Gifts is a decorating shop specifically tailored towards women, so the gift possibilities for Mother’s Day are endless!

If your mom is truly one-of-a-kind, you can capture that with a unique, personalized gift from the locally owned and operated Hallow Candle Company. Hallow Candle Co. carries the WHIFF product line of scented oil warmers and bricks that are the perfect way to accent a space and fill it up with a great fragrance for hours in a safe, flame-free manner. Sarah Mullins, owner of Hallow Candle Company, has recently announced that during the week of Mother’s Day, Hallow Candle Co. will be selling all WHIFF scents for a promotional rate of buy 2, get one free and all gift wrap is 50% off! Their staff is ready to help you design the perfect Mother’s Day gift, whether you have planned ahead of time all the way up to the last minute. Come into Hallow Candle Company early and you can design your mom her own custom candle with personalized colors, fragrances and a Mother’s Day message! Hallow Candle carries their own line of 100% soy candles, bath salts and goats milk soaps, in addition to their huge line of KD Designs jewelry, home décor and accessories. You can visit their store location at 3302 O Street, Ste. C, or website at HallowCandle.com, to view the many options they have to offer. Hallow Candle Company has everything you need for your mother to celebrate her special day in comfort and style.

Edible Arrangements has their own Mother’s Day gift collection that offers truly unique and thoughtful gifts every mom will love! The collection includes fruit arrangements with favorites like pineapple hearts and daisies, gourmet chocolate-dipped strawberries, and you can even include a “berry” special teddy bear and custom balloon bundle to make your gift extra sweet and wonderful. Ali Henrichs, co-owner of Edible Arrangements store locations in Lincoln and Omaha, says that their stores will carry many new and exciting products uniquely designed for Mother’s Day gift giving. The Mother’s Day Bouquet is traditionally a part of their Very Lovely Celebration collection, and is offered in a beautiful ceramic keepsake pitcher that is specially decorated for Mother’s Day. This is a special berry trio with half-dipped strawberries and a new add-on of eight different “swizzle berries.” This option is only available for orders placed and fulfilled by Thursday, May 9th. The Sweet Like Her Bouquet is their existing Sweetheart Bouquet designed in a new Sweetheart/Heart Mug. Another great idea is Lovely Indulgence Strawberries, a completely new item that comes in a pretty box and features strawberries dipped in miniature chocolate morsels, micro drops and lovely sprinkles! Finally, the Brighten Their Day Bouquet includes their regular Delicious Fruit Design with all pineapple daisies being replaced with bright pineapple stars, and also includes fresh strawberries, cantaloupe, honeydew and grapes. To order you can visit the local Edible Arrangement website, give them a call, or stop by and see what they have to offer in person!

For those that can’t be present to spend time with their mom on Mother’s Day, you can look into options for delivery of your special gift. Remember to include a personal message to convey that you are always thinking about her, which is the reason for the gift itself. We live in a time where it is easy to call, text or Skype so you can enjoy her reaction once she has received her gift, or you can incorporate your communication with the gift in order to make it really special even though distance may be separating you from physically enjoying time together. While your mother may be excited to receive a Mother’s Day gift, she is probably just as excited to have the chance to catch up with you as well, and vice versa. If you are sending a gift by mail, remember that a lot of other people are doing the same thing. Try to coordinate with a family member to make sure your mom receives her gift around Mother’s Day, but don’t wait too long to send it as there is a higher volume of mail going through the Post Office and your gift may not make it in time. Consider proper sized packaging and correct packing procedures to avoid any damage if your gift is breakable, and avoid sending anything that is extra fragile or food items that may spoil or be exposed to various contaminants unless proper precautions have been taken. Clothing and jewelry items travel really well, but you should definitely consider insuring those items. The best way to send a gift is to utilize a local company where your mother is located that provides a delivery service for the item you are purchasing, and to schedule this service as far in advance as possible.

If you are racking your brain about what your mother would absolutely love, or need a last minute gift idea, flowers never get old (even if you think they do, again, they REALLY don’t!). There are many different colors and varieties, they are fresh and smell great, you can spend a little and pick up a bouquet at a store or a bit more on an arrangement from a local florist, and they simply brighten up wherever they are displayed while reminding your mother of her wonderful child. Additionally, you can buy her a plant, as the process of caring for a living thing is an instinct that typically stays with moms long after their children have grown up and out of her house. Most plants last many years and you can also choose a pretty pot or flowering version that will fit in with her existing home decor. Clothing can also be a great gift as long as you pick the right type of item. You will want to stay away from sized items that may be difficult to judge, but there are many items that you can choose outside of this. You can pick out a cute and comfortable pair of pajama pants or a luxury bath robe, providing you have not already done this around the holidays and you don’t go frumpy or give her something cheesy, like a print with teddy bears, unless that is what she really likes. Scarves are really on trend for spring and are available in a variety of colors, textures and prints. Another gift that seems impersonal but can really have a great purpose is a gift card. This isn’t the type of gift that is always recommended, but in the case of moms who spend the majority of their time shopping for others, receiving a gift card to their favorite shop may retire their selflessness for a couple of hours while they shop for themselves. So really, the gift is more of offering this type of opportunity as opposed to the monetary value. Furthermore, have you ever visited your mother’s house and been bothered by an old throw rug or well-used household items? Go out and purchase her a new version, and make sure it is amazing so that she won’t think twice about replacing the old items with the new gift she has received (or your ulterior motives)! This will also remind her that you pay attention and care that she is always cared for; even in small, everyday ways. Keep in mind that even if you find the perfect gift for Mother’s Day, there is no excuse to neglect your mother the other 364 days of the year! However, showing her that you care the best way you know how on Mother’s Day certainly doesn’t hurt.

Happy Mother’s Day to all of you amazing ladies out there, enjoy your day!

Many practices devoted to specialized areas of health care have staff members that have a focus in women’s health.  Dr. Corey Dousharm, of Mosier-Timperley Chiropractic, specializes in women’s health.  This includes women prior to, throughout, and after pregnancy, as well as overall health and wellness for women of all ages.  She stresses that by taking care of the spine and nervous system, women have a better chance of fewer fertility issues later down the road.  Additionally, maintaining a healthy nervous system can provide better immune function, fewer headaches, and more energy.  Any one of those components is a welcomed health benefit, let alone all of them together by simply getting an adjustment to maintain the correct structure of your spine. Dr. Dousharm says “I design my treatment recommendations to be specific for each individual woman that seeks my care. Everyone’s body reacts to stress differently so plans of care should be different for each women. I love getting to know my patients and their family and building a trusting and open bond with them. If you don’t feel comfortable with me, or feel that you are getting the results that you expect, I am more than happy to find you a better fit. As a woman myself, I feel that comfort and trust in your doctor are keys to great care.”  She is always happy to sit down for a free consultation to discuss how Chiropractic care can benefit your individual needs.

Women’s Clinic of Lincoln, PC is a great resource for women’s health because that is their main focus.  They strive to successfully meet the ever changing health needs of women, and their integrated system of care is designed to promote optimal physical, emotional and spiritual health for women throughout their life span.  Routine gynecological exams are a key part of a women’s total health care. On your first visit to Women’s Clinic, a personal health history will be obtained which includes background information, medical history, family history, and lifestyle. A routine exam starts with your height, weight and blood pressure and a review of your medical history and current concerns with the nurse. Your physical exam includes listening to heart and lungs, breast exam, abdominal check, internal and manual pelvic exam, and a Pap smear as needed. After your examination, the results of your visit are evaluated in order to decide your course of care. Women’s Clinic of Lincoln provides a friendly and comfortable atmosphere, and their goal is for each patient to feel that her gynecological health care needs have been met.  Their Nurse Practitioners strive to provide a relaxed, secure atmosphere and to meet the special needs of women from teens to mid-twenties, who may be visiting for their first exam. Because many young women are more comfortable being seen by a woman for their first gynecological exam, they provide care and education FOR and BY women. Women’s Clinic of Lincoln’s well-qualified Nurse Practitioners also provide a non-threatening environment for discussion of such concerns as lifestyle issues, eating disorders, prevention of sexually-transmitted infections, and other questions common to this age group.  Women’s Clinic of Lincoln offers many in-office procedures to diagnose and treat common medical conditions that affect women of all ages, including Colposcopy, LEEP procedures, Cryo-Surgery, Cystoscopy, and Essure, which is their newest permanent birth control procedure.  By performing these procedures in the office, patients benefit by receiving care from professionals that they already trust, and avoid the expense of hospital admissions or the risk of general anesthesia in most cases.  They can also perform a variety of minimally invasive surgical procedures for women of all ages, and are proud to have been the first gynecological office in the area to offer gynecologic robotic procedures for patients.  Dr. James Maly has been recognized as an experienced surgeon with the da Vinci Surgical System, which enables surgeons to perform delicate and complex operations through a few tiny incisions with increased vision, precision, dexterity and control.

Women’s Clinic of Lincoln also offers counseling and supportive services, as they are aware of the connections between our minds and bodies and know there are very effective treatments. Medicine to affect brain chemicals is a choice, as is “talk therapy” or counseling. For most people, combining medicine and talk works best.  Life can be very stressful and chronic, long-term stress affects our health in many ways–most of them harmful. Their on-site counselor, Barb Morton, RNC, APRN, (Nurse Practitioner) can help you evaluate your symptoms and develop a treatment plan tailored to you. Personal, confidential, and safe, she will help you build on your strengths to solve life problems. Morton also helps people deal with serious illness and changes in life situations.

Proper nutrition, a balanced diet and exercise are all equally important for women to achieve optimum health.  Now Vemma Nutrition can help!  The Vemma Bod-e line debuted in January 2012, and is a first-of-its-kind healthy weight solution program.  It combines result-orientated Bod-e products (20g Protein, 7g Fiber) with the sustainable Vemma Bod-e Transformation Plan, designed to help you shed those hard-to-lose pounds without sacrificing wellness.  The Plan and Bod-e products were developed in collaboration with TV Celebrity Transformation Specialists, Chris and Heidi Powell (Extreme Makeover: Weight Loss Edition), who have over 15 years of experience in weight loss transformations.  Their knowledge helped shape the Bod-e Transformation Plan, which reprograms how your body uses food through alternating two low-carb days and one high-carb day for six days, followed by one guilt-free day on the seventh day to reward yourself.  With the purchase of any Bod-e products, the consumer gets access to the FREE website and the award-winning Vemma Bod-e Mobile App to track their progress.  Local brand partner Anne M. Cook is happy to provide more information about Vemma Nutrition as well as free product samples.

Among the top health concerns for women are heart disease, osteoporosis, breast cancer, depression, and autoimmune diseases.  These conditions are not necessarily specific to women, but affect women with a much higher frequency than their male counterparts.  Heart disease stands alone as the leading killer of both men and women; however in women this condition is responsible for approximately 29% of deaths as reported by the Center for Disease Control.  There are many women that suffer from heart disease without even knowing it, are underdiagnosed—often to the point that it is too late to help them once the condition is discovered, or die prematurely because the condition has gone untreated for too long.  This is mainly because the symptoms for women are also typical symptoms of aging or other minor health issues, and are often even missed by the patient herself.  Symptoms like minor chest pain are often associated with heart disease, but other symptoms such as shortness of breath, jaw pain, shoulder aches, nausea, and vomiting could easily be related to many other conditions.  The American Heart Association lists risk factors for heart disease as being a problem associated with the male gender, and it certainly is, but almost one third of women dying per year from heart disease is still very significant.  The AHA also lists risk factors such as increasing age, smoking, heredity (including race), high blood cholesterol, high blood pressure, physical inactivity, obesity, and diabetes.  Women with any of these risk factors should pay extra care and attention to see a physician regularly for testing and dialogue.  The earlier you modify your lifestyle to include healthier behaviors, the more you will reduce your risk for heart disease.

Breast cancer is the most common cancer in women, and is second to lung cancer as the leading cancer-related cause of death for women.  However, the scare of this often has the opposite effect on women in terms of preventative health care.  Many experts note that fear of breast cancer can sometimes deter women from going to their doctors for screening, or may even push women to make rash decisions about mastectomy when it may not be necessary.  With an always increasing amount of research being conducted, more treatment options are also becoming available and range from minimally or non-invasive to surgical options.  As we all know, breast cancer is not always a death sentence.  In this case, women are urged to keep their emotions in perspective and to educate themselves about the issues and their options.  The American Cancer Society lists risk factors for breast cancer as increasing age, genes, family and personal history of the disease, race, earlier abnormal breast biopsy of chest radiation, early onset of menstruation or menopause after age 55, not having children, use of certain medications, high alcohol consumption, and obesity.  Some easy lifestyle changes you can incorporate to decrease your risk factors are controlling your weight, exercising regularly, quitting smoking, and talking to your doctor about your risk and undergoing appropriate screening for breast cancer.  However, risk factors are just suggesting that a correlation has been made as a result of evaluating the results of research.  Just because your mother did not have breast cancer, or you had some fun nights in the bars during college, does not mean you will or will not suffer from breast cancer.  Always keep these risk factors in mind, but also in perspective.  Some women that have one or more risk factors may never get breast cancer, or they may be indicating another health problem.

Osteoporosis has been affecting women far before it was on the radar of medical professionals.  Frailty, hunched over progression, or back pain historically were not considered symptoms of bone deterioration, but were things that older women had to accept as their aging process.  We are now living in a time where women and girls can take steps to easily avoid such ailments, as osteoporosis is largely preventable.  The National Osteoporosis Foundation reports that osteoporosis threatens 44 million Americans, and 68% of those affected are women.  It is never too late to keep bones strong, and research suggests the earlier in life the better.  Our bodies are building up most of our bone mass until we are approximately 30 years old, and then new bone stops forming and our bodies focus on maintenance of the existing bone structure that has been built up until that time.  This means that your body will do what it can to repair any bone damage suffered, but you have to provide the tools.  Two of the most successful tools are adequate calcium consumption and weight-bearing physical activity.  Many women are apprehensive about weight training in their fitness routine because they want to maintain their figure and like to be toned, not ripped.  Simply incorporating any type of resistance training once or twice a week can reduce your risk for osteoporosis.  Risk factors for osteoporosis, other than being female, include increasing age, smaller or thin-boned frame, ethnicity, family history, anorexia, diets that are low in calcium and vitamin D, use of certain medications, sedentary lifestyle, smoking, and excessive alcohol consumption.

Depression also appears to affect more women than men.  The stigma attached to depression has made it difficult for some people to address as it is not considered desirable and can be offensive, such as detracting from men who suffer or saying that any emotional imbalance in women makes them “crazy.”  The National Institute of Mental Disorder reports that about 12 million women are affected by depressive disorders each year compared to 6 million men.  So while many men and women are affected, 50% more women than men experiencing depression make it an issue that women need to address proactively.  Hormonal changes can often trigger the condition, particularly postpartum depression that occurs after pregnancy or changes around menopause, but there are many other factors we deal with emotionally that our body responds to physically by producing more or less hormones.  The risk factors for depression include previous depressive episodes, family history of depression, history of heart problems, serious chronic illness, marital or relationship problems, substance abuse, stressful life events, recent surgery or serious illness, childhood history of physical or sexual abuse, having an eating or anxiety disorder, and many others on a case by case basis that we may not be aware of.  Sometimes use of certain drugs for other conditions can contribute to depression, such as medicines for high blood pressure or seizures.  Additionally, some diseases have been found to trigger depression such as vitamin deficiencies or thyroid disease.  You know your own body the best, so if you don’t feel right chances are good that something is actually going on with your body that is affecting you both physically, and in turn, emotionally.  There is no shame in getting this checked out, even if there is nothing major it can take away anxiety, and in doing so, eliminate a risk factor that could contribute to depression in the future.  It is important to be educated on eliminating these risk factors to be proactive about your mental and emotional health, as it may not be easy to eliminate depression but it can certainly be managed so it doesn’t drag you down—often without medication as a primary option.  One easy way to reduce the risk of depression is to find a great reason to get up in the morning.  Things such as work, community, love, pets and volunteering are great reasons.  The healthiest adults are people involved in significant, caring relationships.  This does not necessarily mean romance; you can reach out to your community or family to build these relationships as well.  Exercise can also reduce many of the risk factors, and release endorphins and hormones that can balance your bodies’ natural functioning.  Taking a quick walk, even on a break at work, is a great way to quickly escape stressors while increasing your activity.

Finally, according to the American Autoimmune Related Diseases Association, about 75% of autoimmune diseases occur in women.  Autoimmune diseases are a group of disorders in which the immune system attacks the body and destroys or alters tissues.  There are more than 80 serious chronic illnesses in this category, including lupus, multiple sclerosis, and type 1 diabetes as the most common.  As a group, autoimmune disorders make up the fourth largest cause of disability among American women.  The scary part is that we don’t really know what causes the body to turn on itself.  Since autoimmune diseases are not very well understood, pinpointing specific risk factors is difficult but genetic, hormonal and environmental factors are all suspects.  Symptoms can also be non-specific which can be distracting and hamper proper diagnosis.  This is an area that requires support and a pro-active approach, similar to depression.  If you know something is wrong with you or a loved one, insist that someone take your symptoms seriously.  It is very common for women to make multiple visits to multiple doctors for a diagnosis to be made, and sometimes it is a matter of being in the right place at the right time for something to appear diagnostically.  A great way to promote continued awareness of autoimmune disorders is to support causes that enable more research, since they have such an enigmatic nature.

Bridget Green, a Physician Assistant with Urgent Care Clinic since 2009, has two years of experience specific to women’s healthcare.  This enables Urgent Care to offer services tailored to women, such as annual exams and health screenings including pap smears, birth control consultation and prescriptions, breast screening and education including mammograms, STD testing and consultation/treatment, and other issues commonly affecting women, such as anxiety and depression consultation and referrals.  In conjunction with these services, Urgent Care Clinic has an on-site digital laboratory that allows them access to quick testing and results for many screenings, such as pregnancy, as well as offering digital x-ray and prescription services.  Additionally, since they commonly provide emergency care, their hours of operation are expanded to make it more convenient to be seen outside of traditional office hours.  Green’s focus on women’s health serves to enhance Urgent Care’s capabilities as a complete medical facility that pays attention to the unique needs of all patients.

It is very important for women to take a pro-active role in their own health as well as our society supporting the collective health issues that impact all women.  Awareness is vitally important, and the more we know the more we can share with others in order to influence better outcomes against many of these health issues.  Though it may not always be the solution, preventative care measures should always be your first method of defense.  Know your risk factors, and do what you can to minimize them.  Staying active and eating healthier are two ways that you can reduce your risk factors for most any condition.  In the morning, try to expose yourself to sunlight as soon as you wake up.  This helps jumpstart your production of Seratonin, a brain chemical that tells your body all is well.  Sunlight is also a great natural source of Vitamin D.  Also, drink plenty of water and add in some fresh fruit to infuse your water with a great flavor with the added nutrient benefits.  It may sound too simple, but staying positive is important for maintaining good health.  Negative emotions are also physically damaging to your body and trigger the production of Cortisol, which is a chemical that depresses the immune system, attacks lean muscle tissue and negatively affects blood sugar levels.  Use whatever method works to eliminate negativity, whether it is deep breathing, laughter, listening to music that you like, or visualizing something that makes you happy.  Getting enough sleep can not only help you live longer, but also sharpens your memory, lowers your stress, and reduces food cravings during the day.  Sometimes after a long day at the office, it feels like you have no time to unwind and in turn you stay up later doing things that you think will nourish this lack of relaxation.  Lack of sleep and an inconsistent bedtime really do put a strain on your system, so set a time to go to bed and stick to it as often as possible.

Women’s health is an important topic, and we can all benefit from a greater understanding of issues and diseases that are gender specific in nature.  Women often assume the role of caretaker for others, while neglecting themselves and their own health and wellness for the benefit of those around them, or to live up to society’s pressures.  Additionally, we are learning more every day about how we are alike and different based simply on gender; while women have many of the same diseases as men their symptoms and treatments may not always be the same.  A woman’s health relies on her total well-being, and is not determined solely by biological factors and reproduction, but also by the effects of other factors such as work load, nutrition, stress, and activity level.  Basic health care, family planning, obstetric and counseling services are essential, and should be available, to all women.  Maintaining a healthy lifestyle isn’t always easy; but it IS a fundamental part of leading a happy, productive and long life.

During pregnancy, there are many planned doctor’s visits at specific intervals for those nine months that help you prepare for being a parent and caring for a newborn.  Chiropractic adjustments throughout pregnancy are very beneficial and should be included to complement other medical care and check-ups.  Dr. Corey Dousharm of Mosier-Timperley Chiropractic Clinic sees patients throughout the process of birth, including expecting parents or parents and their newborn babies once they have made their debut into the world.  As a woman’s belly grows with the baby, the spine is put under intense stress. By keeping the spine adjusted and moving, mom is better able to handle all these new stresses, making the growth and change as comfortable as possible. If the spine and pelvis are properly aligned, there is no reason that pregnancy should be overwhelmingly uncomfortable.  The birth process is one of the most traumatic experiences we will have in life. Multiple strains are placed on the cervical spine throughout delivery, especially if vacuum extraction, forceps, or C-section procedures are used. A subluxation (misalignment in the spine) in the cervical spine of a newborn baby can lead to torticollis, difficulty nursing, chronic ear infections, and many other issues if left untreated. Dr. Dousharm utilizes a VERY low force technique when adjusting infants, as their spines are still forming.  She has seen many infants, even as young as one day old, and in correcting their subluxations early, they are less likely to develop the above issues. It is never too early to get adjusted!  As with any other time where stress is present, everyone responds to stress differently, and the staff at Mosier-Timperley strive to provide care that is specific for each individual patient. They have many patients who are in two times a month just for maintenance, however when the stresses of life appear they will come in more frequently.  Chiropractic is a safe and effective way to take charge of your health, and to maintain your health so you are ready for anything life has in store.  Dr. Dousharm enjoys working with women and kids especially, but loves when entire families decide to take the step towards better health for all. She is always happy to provide a consultation so that you can make the best decision for what is right for your family and their health.  The sooner you start taking care of yourself the better off you will be in the future!

Another thing an expecting couple should consider is taking classes that will help you plan and prepare for childbirth accordingly.  Most childbirth classes are 8-12 hours long and cover what will happen during a few days of your life. Laura Anderson of Elite Lactation Professionals, LLC says that it is a standard recommendation for all babies to be breastfeed for at least one year, yet few people prepare properly for this. In general, many think that breastfeeding will be natural–and it is, just like labor and birth are natural, but it is not always easy. Learning what to expect and what is normal is very important. Our culture has many misconceptions regarding how newborns feed. It is important to remember regardless of what we think, biologically our bodies are expecting to breastfeed and our babies are expecting everything that comes from being breastfed.  Anderson stresses that you should know your resources and seek help, and be aware that having a baby is a major life change and many things about it will be scary and unpredictable. It’s OK to feel unsure and awkward, but it is not OK to feel alone. ELITE Lactation Professionals, LLC offers access to private practice Internationally Board Certified Lactation Consultants (IBCLC). Families who access their services are provided with prenatal education and postpartum breastfeeding support, available in individual and group consultations, and Anderson notes that they can also develop a Custom Individual Lactation Program. Also, a main component of their business is geared toward making a mother’s return to work smooth. They contract with corporations to improve, maintain and set up a Custom Worksite Lactation Program, and provide Management Training Seminars throughout the country that focus on Corporate Wellness.  In March of 2010, the Fair Labor Standards Act included an amendment that requires all employers to provide nursing mothers with reasonable time and space to pump their breast milk for up to a year after the baby is born. Elite Lactation Professionals, LLC provides corporations with the tools needed to make their Worksite Lactation Program successful.

Parenting a child does not necessarily mean that you have given birth.  Foster care provides an opportunity for children and potential guardians to find one another and create a family.  Christian Heritage believes that foster care is a calling, and in the beginning most people may not feel totally equipped to do foster care, but they feel called to that mission.  That calling does not seem to be tied to any particular stage of life, and is different for every foster parent.  Christian Heritage offers foster care training classes involving a variety of participants such as young married couples, empty nesters, singles, parents with no children, and parents with many children.  Brian Berrier, the Recruitment Supervisor for Christian Heritage, is always very excited to see people in all stages of life with different circumstances share a common passion to help foster children.  Foster care is a very exciting journey and for some, the journey of pursuing foster care lasts for months while for others it may continue for years. Children in foster care have been removed from their parents because of abuse, neglect, or other family problems.  The first goal when a child enters foster care is to re-unite them with their biological family, however in situations where the children cannot return home Christian Heritage looks to adoption, as their organization believes that every child deserves a family.  Christian Heritage assigns a family specialist to the foster parent(s) and the child/children in their care, who will call on you and the children at least twice a month.  Family specialists also attend school, team, and court meetings to help support both you and the child, and Christian Heritage has someone on-call 24 hours a day.  Anyone interested in becoming a foster parent is invited to begin the process by contacting Christian Heritage.  They will be able to answer any questions that you have and provide you with an idea of the children they have that currently need temporary or permanent homes, and can set up a home visit, which is the next step in the process.  At the home visit, they will make sure your home meets all the standards to be licensed, and visit with you in more detail about foster care and what is involved.  In order to help children in foster care you need to be trained and become licensed, which would be the next step.  Christian Heritage partners with local churches to offer training sessions throughout the year.  This training will help prepare you to care for children in foster care and gives you the opportunity to develop a support group with others that share a common passion to help children.  During training you will also have a licensing specialist walk you through the process of becoming licensed.   After you become licensed we discuss with you what type of placements will work for your family, and Christian Heritage is very intentional about placing children with the right family.  Not matter what stage of the process you are at, Christian Heritage would love to speak to you about foster care possibilities.

At CEDARS, as a foster parent you become an integral part of their professional team.  This means you have access to support at any time, 24 hours a day, seven days a week.  Michaela Young, Foster Care Program Manager at CEDARS, emphasizes that fostering a child can mean you will experience a big change in your current lifestyle.  The CEDARS Foster Care team makes themselves available to offer support and assistance anytime they are needed.  Youth in Foster Care come from an abused or neglected home and often show signs of trauma.  Maintaining a calm and positive attitude helps these youth thrive and grow in your home.  As a foster parent you can expect to deal with many new things, such as taking a child into your home at a few hours’ notice, working with a case manager, and scheduling your day out to include this child’s activities.  Once properly acclimated, this can be an extremely rewarding experience for foster parents and CEDARS is there to help along the way.  Young notes the great significance and need for foster parents, and considers foster parents as members of the CEDARS family. Fostering should be a positive, meaningful experience for your family in helping children grown and reach their permanency objective.  CEDARS offers monthly support groups and quarterly gatherings for their foster families, to ensure that they are aided and encouraged.  In addition, they offer regularly scheduled training opportunities.  These support systems serve families by providing a forum to share ideas and get tips from peers who are navigating the same foster care path.  Among the services that CEDARS ensures foster families receive are team members and family resource partners with low case loads, many avenues for support, assistance with transportation, immediate response to phone calls and requests, guaranteed respite every month, competitive monthly stipends, convenient individualized and ongoing training throughout each month, and are always strong advocates for the foster parents and children.  CEDARS provides their foster families affiliation with an established organization that has provided services for foster families in Lincoln for 65 years, and their staff has a combined 147 years of experience that enables them to assist you with the transition to a new family life with care and as seamlessly as possible.

There are many aspects involved with buying a new home, business location, or any other type of property; however, there are just as many resources available to assist you with each of the necessary steps to planning and executing any type of real estate transaction.  Sandra Larsen, a Realtor® with BancWise Realty, offers several tips on each step of the process.  First and foremost, connect with an experienced, active Realtor® who will act as a buyer’s agent to represent your best interests.  This agent will offer contacts that will be of value to you, whom they have already done business with and can recommend based on past successful experiences.  A buyer’s agent can also show you any available property and guide you as to the pros and cons of each property, all while the commission cost to a buyer is $0.00.  Larsen recommends that when choosing a lender you should go with a local, reputable lender who can provide you with a pre-qualification letter.  She notes that in our local culture, when an offer is presented to a seller with a pre-qualification letter, it gives the seller some sense of security knowing their potential buyer has connected with a good lender and can afford to follow through on the purchase and closing of the property.  Larsen also suggests utilizing Neighborworks, which is a program in Lincoln that provides assistance with down payment and repairs for first time home buyers after taking several informative classes that they provide.  You can access their website at www.nw.org.  Having sufficient information is essential, and Larsen has formed a process through experience to find the right fit by using the criteria her clients provide, as well as taking note of their input during the process, being present for tours to gauge reactions, and staying on top of what is available in the market.  This enables her to negotiate the best price and terms on behalf of her client by using her knowledge about what similar properties in the area have sold for, or to provide an accurate cost estimate of the property ahead of time.  Price and condition play key roles in making a property attractive to the potential buyer in order to minimize large out-of-pocket costs in the first year of ownership.  For home buyers, this can also be mitigated by negotiating to have a home warranty included in the transaction.  Larsen has established a reliable, trustworthy referral base to help come along-side her clients to solve any problems that may arise, and stresses the tremendous value that a professional, experienced advocate can provide to any buyer, whether it is their first or tenth time purchasing property.

Joe Courtney, a Realtor® with BancWise Realty and a colleague of Larsen’s, adds that the property buying process can often times be overwhelming.  Courtney suggests interviewing several Realtors before committing to one, as this will be someone that will be present in your life for three to six months in order to take care of you every step of the way.  With this in mind, you should make sure they are someone you can effectively communicate with and trust, is knowledgeable of the market, and experienced with contracts and negotiations.  You can always ask you friends and family for a Realtor® referral as well.  Chances are if they had a good experience, then so will you.  If you are buying your first house, there are several steps that are crucial.  One of the most important is to make sure the house is right for you! Courtney also speaks to the importance of getting pre-approved for financing right away, or as soon as it is possible, as it is crucial to know all the costs involved with buying property before you get too far into the process.  Your budget will likely shape all the decisions you make for the future of the buying process, and it is difficult to shop if you don’t know what you can afford.  One of the most important things you can do during the entire process is to ask plenty of questions! Your Realtor® is one tool of many out there to educate you on any and all aspects of purchasing property.  You aren’t expected to know everything, and that’s one of the reasons why you have hired your realtor as your educated ally.  Remember, your agent is working for you!  For most Americans, purchasing a home will be the biggest investment of their lives, and the process should reflect this by covering all bases properly due to the gravity of the situation and the impact it will have on the rest of your life.  In addition to new buyers, there are also move-up buyers, who are looking to buy a better property than they already own.  This process can be a challenge if you need to sell your current home before you can purchase your new home.  Your first priority should always be to sell your current home, as it is the only thing that may be holding you back from getting into the new one.  You can also move the process along buy searching for properties on your own in addition to what your Realtor® sends you.  Courtney finds that when buyers look on their own they adjust criteria more often, as they come across properties that they may not have previously considered.  In addition to new home buyers and move-up buyers, there are buyers in the market that are looking to downsize.  For example, when the kids are gone you may not need 4,000 square feet of space for one or two people.  This process can be frustrating as there may be many times during your life that you will be changing the style of living that you are accustomed to.  Courtney recommends having this conversation with your Realtor up front to see if your needs and wants for your new home are realistic.  Also, if you are downsizing, it is a good idea to de-clutter, sell, or donate all items that you don’t use or wish to take with you, so you have a better idea of the actual space that you want in order to get a perfect fit.  BancWise can accommodate a buyer at any stage of life, as they are a locally owned company specializing in residential real estate sales, and offer Realtors® that have experience with the local market and work with both buyers and sellers.

J.R. Knopp, a Realtor® and team member at Third Generation Builders, points out the importance of really considering what you are looking for in a home whether you are building or buying, including how you want the kitchen, living room, and all the rooms to lay out. The best way to start is to contact your Realtor® and have them set up tours of a bunch of newly constructed homes or ones that are currently being built, or if it’s in the spring or fall a home parade or trade show are great resources to pull ideas from. This will give you a good idea of different types of homes and some ideas for layouts, qualities, and designs for the inside of the house. The next big step is to find the perfect lot to put your new house on and that is usually the most difficult task when it comes to building a house. Some things to consider when looking for a lot is the area of town and features of the lot, such as views, neighbors, daylight and the position the home will face, and the grades of the land.  Knopp recommends choosing a Realtor® and builder that are straightforward, honest, and have a timely approach to business. When doing successful business with clients, he relies on being very straightforward, easy to talk to, and using his experience to explain everything out in full detail. The end goal is to find the best quality for the best price, and to have a positive working relationship with each client throughout the process.

As with the planning of any life change, your financial situation plays a major role in the decisions you make.  Matt Egge, a financial representative with Northwestern Mutual Financial Network, has plenty of advice from his experience with financial planning.  If you are looking to finance a new project or major investment, Egge recommends taking an overall look at your current financial situation as a great starting point.  Important topics to address include what your current budget looks like, how much the project you are looking to finance will cost you, and how these coincide with the timeline of when the project needs to be completed.  There are many options to save for a project, and it is important to find a way that best fits your specific situation.  For example, if you have enough in your budget and enough time to save the amount you need, a basic savings account is probably the easiest and less stressful way to finance the project.  However, a drawback to using this method is that you could otherwise be investing this money in an investment that could provide you with a higher rate of return.  If you do not have the ability to save the necessary amount of funds in enough time, you may need to take a look at getting a loan to finance the project.  There can be some benefits to going this route, as you may be able to find a low interest and/or fixed interest rate loan that is tax deductible, which could be a better option, especially for those who could really utilize the tax deduction.  Some other options to consider when financing a project could include utilizing cash value from a life insurance policy, withdrawing assets from an individual investment account, or taking an early distribution from a qualified plan.  Each of these options can have some tax consequences and therefore should be discussed with your financial advisor and/or accountant.  If you are looking to finance your first home, you may qualify to take up to $10k of earnings from your Roth IRA without paying the 10% premature withdrawal penalty.  However, you must have held the Roth IRA for at least 5 years.  Contributions made to the Roth IRA may be withdrawn free from tax and penalty at any time for any reason.  It is normally not ideal that you make an early distribution from a qualified plan due to the tax consequences as well as the disruption to your overall retirement goals.  Overall, each situation is different and meeting with a professional to gather clarity would be beneficial when weighing your options.  Egge, who works mostly with people who are looking to do financial planning for life changes, stresses that it is never too early or too late to begin financial planning.   He has found that a good starting point is when you are on your own and begin your career, but notes that everyone’s vision of being financially secure looks different.  Getting a good financial foundation early on can give you peace of mind and confidence in your financial security.  You will experience a lifetime of changes, so it is important for your financial plan to remain flexible to adapt to changes over the years and for you to revisit it often.

Financial planning is essential throughout one’s life and never can be started too early.  Brad Ewerth, a financial planner with Ewerth and Associates, says that it is important to educate clients on the rules of finance as this is knowledge that will be valuable a countless number of times over the span of an individual’s life.  However, financial planning involves much more analysis than merely determining which asset allocation model to use with investment dollars. Financing a new project, whether personally or in a business environment, requires analysis of the cost of the project, possible amount to finance, interest rate (which can be shopped around), term length of debt and monthly cost.  Once this is determined, then a cash flow analysis should be completed to make sure there is adequate cash flow either personally or from the business to meet the monthly debt obligation payment. Making the determination whether the monthly payment can be easily met on paper is critical before making a long term commitment to finance any project.  Additionally, compounding interest versus simple interest and the impact of taxes short-term and long-term are areas that Ewerth helps his clients fully understand, as this knowledge is extremely valuable for retirement and college planning.  Along with income tax planning, these two areas address some of the biggest financial obligations and concerns that many families face.  Unfortunately, it is easy to defer the planning process in these two areas; however, wasted time is difficult to make up, as every financial decision made can have an impact on retirement.  Accordingly, Ewerth strives to educate and strategize with families and businesses, as well as presenting several efficient financial options to consider with regard to retirement, college and tax planning. The rules for college planning are complex and completely different than the rules considered for tax planning.  Understanding both is critical, as again, funding incorrectly can impact how you live out your retirement years.

For those who are retiring and ready to enjoy their golden years, there are plenty of activities that serve to keep you busy and having fun while trying something new.  The Lincoln School of Music offers many types of classes and activities to supplement your schedule and expose you to a new passion or skill involved with music.  Their most popular lessons are private lessons, especially for piano and guitar, which are designed to help tailor each session to an individual’s specific and personal goals.  Private lessons are appropriate for students of all ages, and provide a great place to meet like-minded individuals working towards a common goal or learning an instrument.  These lessons also include a recital at the end of the course to show off everyone’s new skills.  Tim Woosley, Music Director for the Lincoln School of Music, emphasizes that anything really great takes time, especially learning any new skill or talent.  Even though we now live in a drive-thru, instant culture where we are used to getting what we want right away, the amount of time and dedication you invest will proportionately give you the desired outcome you are aiming for.  If you invest your time wisely, you will be able to see and appreciate the return of a new skill that will add to the enjoyment of your life.  The Lincoln School of Music also periodically creates new courses, and offers a selection group lessons aimed at different age groups and seasons of life, such as grade school, high school, post-graduation, and retirement.  They will be offering special group guitar lessons this summer, which will be a new feature and the most unique and exclusive offer ever made available to Lincoln residents.  This will be a multimedia experience that will help maximize the learning curve associated with the guitar.  You can find out more information about these group lessons, as well as private lessons on a variety of instruments on their website.

Another project that you may take on, especially during retirement when you have more time to devote to a hobby, is restoring a classic car.  Classic cars are a good hobby for anyone to get involved in because they are a commodity that is difficult to find, and generally hold good value based on the market.  As you do work to the car, it will increase the value, as long as it is done correctly and to a standard that will last over time.  It is also a better place to spend your money, rather than on perishable items or bad habits that can never give you a return.   Additionally, the satisfaction of having a piece of history that you can drive on nice days, and that your family and generations to come can enjoy, is pretty great too.  Restore a Muscle Car (RAMC) is a one-stop shop for every aspect of classic car restoration.  They have a crew of over 16 technicians that specialize in different skill sets, including body and paint, interior, engine rebuilds, wiring, suspension/chassis, and all the way up to high level detailing.  RAMC can help with as little or as much work as you need them to, and can help to complete any project that you don’t feel comfortable with doing yourself.  Dave Hall, owner of RAMC, notes that every client is different in their goals with their classic car.  Some want them to drive on a nice weekend, some want to drive them every day, while others just keep them as an investment.  RAMC sees a variety of clients, some of whom need help with a few changes or updates to their car and others that want them to restore the car from ground up.  Hall and his staff try to get an idea if it is a temporary investment for a few years or a lifetime investment to hand down to other generations, which then allows them to better serve each client’s wants and needs.  For example, if a client is looking for a car that they want to restore or simply drive and enjoy, the RAMC staff will search the country through their connections to try and locate the classic car of the client’s choice.  As a part of assisting a client with figuring  out what they want, they also guide their clients according to budget, and will also help in looking any prospective vehicle over prior to purchasing if needed.  All restoration work done at their shop is documented and posted on the website for their clients to follow along week by week with the progress that is completed.  It keeps them just as involved as we are every step of the way!  Hobbies are a great way to invest your time and money in something that personally moves you.  RAMC will share your passion by keeping you motivated, and will provide you the tools you need to complete your restoration project successfully.

Life is full of changes, both individual and collectively.  Becoming a parent, buying a new home, starting a new business or job, and retiring are milestones that we all hope to be blessed with or work hard to earn, and planning for these changes can be just as enjoyable as the changes themselves.  It is important to remember that there are a wealth of resources at your fingertips, and plenty of people and businesses out there that are already experts in their field and want to help you have the best experiences possible related to any changes that you plan to take on in the future.

Lawn Care

“Over the next several weeks the temperatures will slowly warm up and our attention turns from snow removal to lawn care,” says Lee Schumacher with TDK Lawncare.  “This is a perfect time to start the healing process from last year’s drought and extreme heat.  By changing our practices we can help our lawns survive Mother Nature’s twist and turns she has for us this year.

To help repair the damage from last year’s drought, aerating while at the same time broadcasting grass seed around 5lbs per 1,000 sq. ft. is an easy way to help rejuvenate your lawn.

Aerating is the process of making finger size holes in your lawn and depositing the removed material on the surface to break down. This allows fertilizer, water and oxygen to get to the roots where healthy grass originates. In areas where the soil has a high clay content, compaction and thatch buildup is more prevalent and aeration should be done twice a year.”

Andrew Campbell with Campbell’s Nurseries & Garden Centers adds, “In most cases following the standard recommendations of applying a two or four step lawn program and ensuring you are ready to water your lawn as warm weather arrives is the best recommendation. That said, if someone let their lawn go dormant in the drought last year, or even saw some issues in the lawn last fall then repairs may be necessary through reseeding or resodding portions of the lawn. We won’t know for sure until the lawn begins to green up with warmer weather. In those cases it is important to apply a product during the pre-emergent step of the lawn programs, usually labeled a crabgrass preventer, that is designed to be used when reseeding a lawn. If the wrong product is used you may have problems as many of the products typically used may keep new seed from germinating just as well as they prevent grassy weeds in the lawn. In addition, with the drought and somewhat drier winter it may be necessary to begin watering earlier this year to ensure the lawn has enough water to grow normally this spring. Only time and Mother Nature know how much rain we will receive this spring so we recommend everyone be prepared to help if the rains don’t arrive as they do in more normal years.”

Lee Schumacher offers the following Five Steps You Can Take to Create a Healthier Lawn:
1. Water at the correct times, with the correct amount of water for your grass type. (Blue grass requires ¼” every other day. Tall fine fescue requires 1” per week.)

2. Varying the heights of the mower for the variety of climates here in Nebraska. (During the warmest months, the mower height should be between 3” – 3 ½”.)

3. Aerating your lawn once to twice per year. (Aerating is usually done in the fall and spring when the grass is growing rapidly, and repairs itself easily. We also recommend at this time that you over seed with a turf tall fescue).

4. Over seeding should be done with drought and fungus resistant seed. Tall fescue works well for this. This is usually done in the spring or mid to late September.

5.  Having the correct fertilizing schedule. (Usually includes a 6 step program for an average lawn. Using pre-emergent, weed and grub control along with a Winterizer.

The Importance of Fertilizer

Everyone familiar with lawn care is aware of the importance of fertilizer and Jeff Nelson with Husker Organics tells us why: “Weeds are the number one reason why fertilizer is important.  The best defense against weeds is a dense, tall lawn.  After a dry year like we experienced last season, many lawns were left damaged and thin.  It’s important to keep your desirable turf well-fed in order to help fend off infestations of undesirable plants.  A thick lawn is helpful in your battle against weeds whether your plan is to use herbicides or not.”

When it comes to fertilizer, Jeff believes that organic is best.  “Organic fertilizer is better to use because it helps improve the soil as it feeds the plants.  A synthetic fertilizer, while it makes your grass look greener, does not add any beneficial long-lasting properties to the soil profile and can, in fact, cause a harmful build-up of elements.  Man-made fertilizers are palliative, while natural fertilizers are curative.  Make sure you do your homework on what products are being applied to your lawn to make sure they are truly ‘natural’.  Many are not as natural as you may think.  Another huge benefit to natural fertilizers is that there is no risk to you, your pets or your kids.  The products used by Husker Organics, while terrible tasting to humans, are edible.”

Landscape Upgrades

Your landscape is not all about your lawn.  It can include a number of other features, including trees, flowers, bushes and more.  There are so many things you can do to improve your landscape and can be difficult to narrow down which options might be best for you.  Again, this is where a landscape professional comes in very handy.

“I always recommend clients think about the big picture and the long term plan before they begin the process,” suggests Andrew Campbell with Campbell’s Nurseries and Garden Centers. “Whether the project is simply adding some color to an area, installing a new bed, or working on the whole landscape, by knowing where you want the landscape to end up long-term you can better plan the landscape and your plantings. While there are many questions to consider depending on the scope of the changes and your focus, knowing where you want the landscape to end up will allow you to better plan the landscape. Most landscapes are phased in over time due to budget or because there is simply only so much time in our busy schedules to devote to planting. By knowing where we want the landscape to end up, we can better craft a plan that can be phased in over time and budget, but will allow all the pieces to fit together giving you a much more pleasing result.”

Kristin Hain with Land Escapes agrees with Andrew by adding, “Don’t just go out to the garden center and randomly buy plants or landscape materials.  Take pictures of other local landscapes you like, find pictures in magazines and make a portfolio of how you’d like your property to look.  Be aware of things like screening, power lines, roof overhangs, sun exposure and how the area will be used.  Far too often, people jump into a project without a plan and end up with something that’s not properly suited for the area, plants planted in the wrong location for sun exposure or future growth and an overall look that’s messy or not appealing.  Remember, the plants will be around for many years, so thinking ahead and planning today will increase your property value and also resale potential in the future.”

Keeping in mind the new trends that are occurring in landscaping is also a good idea.  Though many of them may not be a good fit for you for a number of reasons, you may find one or two trend that fits right in with your lifestyle and landscaping plans.  “I think we are seeing a surge in people thinking about adding drought-tolerant plants to their landscape,” explains Andrew Campbell.  “With the drought last year, it certainly is on the minds of many of our clients.  I also believe that a number of trends continue to be important including season-long interest in the landscape, reducing maintenance needs as much as possible and overall working with the right plants, in the right placement, for each client’s needs.  I also believe that we are seeing many of our clients adding or enlarging their vegetable gardens.  There still isn’t anything quite like the taste of a home-grown vine-ripened tomato.”

Kristin Hain is also seeing trends that related to the recent drought.  “I think water conservation will be very important,” she states.  “Choosing plants, trees and shrubs that can tolerate periods of drought and educating the public on proper watering techniques will be important.  Land Escapes will be using drip irrigation bags with every new tree installation to help property owners easily monitor and manage tree watering for that first critical year.  In addition, water features are still a big hit with homeowners and small bubbler features have been very popular with our clients for the past couple years.  The bubblers are small and easily maintained by the homeowner yet provide lots of enjoyment from spring through fall.  For plantings, it’s important to consider foliage color when creating a design.  I believe a landscape or garden is successful when there’s lots of color and visual interest year round, yet not one flower is blooming.  Remember, most flowering plants only bloom for a short period of time and you’re left with foliage the rest of the season.  When you focus on foliage rather than flowers, be sure to incorporate blue, gold, burgundy, purple and variegated in amongst standard green foliage plants.  This way you always have color!  There’s no reason to quit or cut back on adding or redoing your landscaping, just be smart about it and make sure that you hire qualified landscape professionals who have experience and also have all of the required license and certifications.”

Tree, Bush and Shrub Removal

“This is a great time of year to get the yard ready for spring,” advises Brannon Hall, CTSP with Blue Ox Tree Service. “This includes removing any trees, bushes and shrubs that succumbed to last season’s drought or pines suffering from wilt.  Wilt disease has already claimed many pines and it’s a perfect time to get those trees removed from your landscape and replaced with something new.  Dead or dying trees can not only be a safety hazard, they can also lower your property value.  Now is also a good time to get your trees trimmed and cleaned up before they begin to leaf out in the coming weeks.
It’s important to do your research and hire licensed, bonded and insured arborists. Keep in mind that cheaper is not always better. Your trees are an important investment in your landscape and should be treated as such.”

Other Landscaping Options

Landscaping is not just about the ‘living’ things in your yard like the lawn, trees, flowers and shrubs.  Landscaping is about curb appeal (what others see when they drive by your home or into your driveway and about how you feel when you pull up) and about outdoor enjoyment of your space.  Whatever achieves these goals can be considered landscaping!

Lance Roach with JL Exteriors suggests adding a pergola (a garden feature forming a shaded walkway, passageway or sitting area of vertical posts or pillars that usually support cross-beams and a sturdy open lattice upon which vines are trained), covered roof, fire pit or outdoor bar/kitchen to your outdoor area.  “There are many unique choices out there to truly make your outdoor space stand out and be a relaxing retreat for your family.  Whether you are focused on tranquil options for leisurely enjoyment or more impressive features that will wow guests you welcome to your home, landscaping is all about finding the perfect fit for your lifestyle.”

One of those ‘perfect fits’ could be incorporating a pool and/or hot tub into your outdoor space.  Although these may not be right for everyone, they can be a huge source of enjoyment for families who enjoy being outside and who love to swim or lounge in the water.  If you do decide to incorporate pool into your home, it’s important that you work with the professionals who can help you find the perfect fit.  Of course, working with a professional pool specialist such as Jeff Bonsall with Bonsall Pool and Spa is a must.  Though you may know what you think you want for a pool, someone who has experience and training in the industry will actually be able to guide you to the products and services that will best fit your needs.  It might seem tempting to run out to the nearest big box store and buy a pool that looks appealing, but you are opening the door to a whole host of problems when you do that.  Not only will you be asking advice from people who probably are not trained nor have much experience with pools (and who may not even be employed there next month), but you are also taking a chance that the pool will be delivered and installed correctly, that the warranty was properly explained and that installation and maintenance will all go smoothly.  Are these really chances you want to take when it comes to such a large investment (and the safety of your family)?

You also need to keep in mind that adding a pool or spa to your home is not JUST about the pool or the spa.  You need to create a beautiful environment in which to enjoy your new investment.  Think about it: do you really want your expensive new pool to be out in a bare yard with weeds growing around it?  Of course not!  You chose to add this to your home because you wanted to create a tranquil, tropical feel to your landscaping where everyone could have a good time and feel like they were at the beach (or at least at a resort!).  Working with either your pool specialist or your landscaper to create the right environment for your new investment is key.  You want to plan and create a pool environment that is easy to get to and difficult to leave!  Your first step is to get inspired.  Find pictures of other pool environments you envy, whether they are from magazines, other people you know who have pools or even from some of your favorite movies.  These pictures will give your landscape designer a place to start and a vision they can be guided by.

You’ll want to keep in mind your deck and walkways as these are the foundation for your landscape design and how you will access your pool.  You also should consider the plants that you want around your pool area (and that will flourish in the geographic area we live in).  If you think of the resorts you’ve been to in the past, you’ll probably recall that the most luxurious ones were those complete with beautiful flowers, plants, trees and other landscaping features.

The key to a truly enjoyable back yard is creating one where you, your family and your guests feel just as comfortable as you would indoors (or even more so!).  This means plenty of comfortable lounge chairs or couches, an eating area and a place to prepare food (such as a barbeque area or outdoor kitchen).  Remember that you will be spending a lot of time outdoors when it’s sunny and hot, so shade and privacy should be at the top of your list (think an awning, pergola or gazebo or plenty of high quality sun umbrellas).

You want to be able to enjoy your new tropical environment even when the sun goes down, so lighting is another option you’ll want to consider.  Enhancing your poolscape with lighting not only allows you to enjoy it into the evening hours, but it also provides safety and adds a decorative effect.  Fiber optics, perimeter, floating and color-changing lighting will create beautiful and unique nighttime gatherings.

If you are adding a pool to your back yard, you’ll also want to add a fence (or improve on your current fence if it does not provide the security and privacy you need).  A proper fence can provide a safety measure against unwanted visitors and make sure that all of your neighbors and everyone driving by can’t see your family and guests in their swimsuits!  If you build a deck around your pool, a fence can also provide additional security and keep children or animals from wandering into the pool area unsupervised.

Added Security

Creating the perfect outdoor retreat is not easy—nor is it cheap.  When you have invested the time and money necessary to create a beautiful landscape, you want to protect it (and the people who will be relaxing in it).  That’s where a professional security system comes in.  R.J. Lipert with AlarmLink USA explains, “We can come in and evaluate your needs, speak with you about your concerns and develop a security system that is uniquely designed for you.  Maybe you want something that alerts you when a door or gate is opened, or perhaps you want security cameras so you can observe the kids in the pool even when you are indoors.  Whether you are trying to keep your loved ones safe in your outdoor environment or keep unwanted visitors out of it, we can help you achieve your goals.”

Choosing the Best Landscape Professional for Your Needs

Throughout this article, we have talked about the importance of choosing the best landscaper for your needs.  However, we haven’t really talked about how to choose that landscaper.  Here are a few pointers from the professionals themselves:

“There are so many aspects involved with designing and installing a nice looking and functional landscape and many homeowners just don’t have the vision and experience to do this,” explains Kristin Hain with Land Escapes. “That being said, not all “professionals” have good experience and many spread themselves too thin offering a wide range of services yet knowing only a little about each service.  If you want an amazing landscape with plants, find someone who really knows about plants.  If you want an extensive outdoor kitchen or patio space, find someone who specializes in that.  You will get better service and quality of work from smaller companies with a few specialized areas of work vs. a company who “offers it all”.  All aspects of the area must be considered including sun exposure, screening, utilities, irrigation, color, height, texture, form and contrast.”

She continues by saying, “Hiring a landscape professional like Land Escapes ensures that all plants chose will be correct for the site considering sun exposure and future growth, city codes are met, and plants and materials will be installed with proper techniques ensuring and extending their life expectancy.  Simply reading the tag or label on a plant at the nursery often does not give the best information for how that plant will grow in this area.  Plant tags are mass produced and cover a wide range of growing conditions across the country, they are not specifically written for the location where they are purchased and will be planted.  Land Escapes specializes in knowing our plants and what will and won’t grow in and around Lincoln.  We have over 35 years of combined experience and pay close attention to detail, technique and design.  We specialize in more unique designs and plant selections creating a home landscape that’s completely your own and doesn’t look like every other yard on your block.”

Andrew Campbell with Campbell’s Nurseries and Garden Centers has this advice: “While landscaping isn’t rocket science, I do believe that working with an experienced landscape designer will result in a better designed plan that offers more interest and less maintenance over time. Picking the right plants for the right locations that offer season-long interest and lower maintenance is much easier for a designer with experience than someone just starting out in the trade. Many times finding this professional may be as simple as asking friends and neighbors who they have worked with on their projects. Or this may be accomplished by keeping an eye out for companies working in your neighborhood and seeing the work they accomplish. Once you have picked a company or two to consider for your project, I recommend talking through your needs with the designer. Ask them questions about the type of project you are planning, their experience and design philosophies, and see if you are comfortable with them and their answers. Finding the right landscape professional should result in you finding a company you are comfortable working with and who can be a partner in your landscape well beyond just this planting season. You want this company to be able to help you through the whole project especially if it is phased in over time, including any potential replacement plants needed, while also teaching you how to properly maintain your landscape now and down the road. This long term relationship may be more easily found in a company who has been around and has a focus in all aspects of helping you with your landscaping including the long term maintenance.”

Spending time outdoors is good for you and your family.  Being in the fresh air and around living grass, plants and trees is rejuvenating, healthy and brings with it a feeling of camaraderie and togetherness.  By creating the perfect outdoor environment for you, your family and your guests, you are investing in your family and your peace of mind.  Though Nebraska can have some nasty winters, it also has some beautiful spring months, sunny and warm summers and pleasant falls.  Being able to enjoy these days on a gorgeous deck or patio or floating in your pool next to a tropical paradise is a luxury almost everyone can afford.  Add in a nice barbeque grill and some high quality outdoor furniture and you’ve expanded the living space of your home and created an oasis where everyone can go to de-stress and relax.

Remember that the key to a successful landscaping project is to work with the right professionals.  Get them involved right in the beginning so they can help you plan everything, develop a budget and make sure that all the pieces of your project are fitting together properly.

Shop Local!

Shopping at locally owned boutiques is a great way to not only support your local economy and local business owners, but it’s also a fun way to shop for unique items and work with those who are committed to customer service (often the owner of the boutique herself!).  Boutique owners and managers make a point of staying on top of new fashion trends and can guide you to the perfect look for you!

Cherie Travis with Rachel’s Boutique says, “Bright citrus colors in clothing and accessories are in for this spring, as well as gold tone jewelry, fun scarves and open weave sweater tops.  Incorporating these new trends is easy.  In the workplace, you can add a bright colored tee, shirt or scarf to any suit and it will take you from one season to the next.  Add a knit cardigan in place of a blazer to give a softer but still business look.  Another way to give your blazer an updated look is to pair it with a bright colored pant or sheath dress.  Also, jewelry and accessories are one of the best ways to change up any outfit.  Don’t forget to finish it off with a wedge sandal or pump!”

Casual looks are also benefitting from the new trends.  “Pull out your denim jacket or shirt and pair it with a bright colored jean or capri,” Cherie suggests.  “You can also take a colored bottom and add a new black and white knit jacket or sweater.”

The look Cherie is most excited about for spring is jewelry!  “We have a whole collection of Brighton jewelry coming in gold tones,” she says.  “And we just received a shipment of open weave tops.  Our racks are full and ready for spring!”

Shopping local is important for the men, too!  Many men think they need to hit the big cities or the internet to find the brands and styles they want, but Lincoln has many top notch locally owned men’s stores such as Gary Michaels Clothiers.  Gary Novotny of Gary Michaels says, “The menswear industry is becoming no different than the women’s business.  It is all about fashion, color and excitement.  Men now have a desire to look more updated than just buying boring clothes like a khaki pair of slacks and a white polo shirt.  This spring will introduce colors in sportswear such as mango, magenta, sapphire, citron, aster, ivy and tangerine to name a few.  From the office to the golf course, you will see more color than before.  Sport shirts will be bright and dress trousers will have a pattern or some surface interest to them.  The clothing will also become more seasonal with fabrics in cotton, linen, flax and tencel, lightweight and comfortable.  Lastly, it’s okay to have the shirts and slacks have that wrinkled appearance in sportswear, it’s all part of the look for spring and summer.”

Consider Resale Shops

Almost everyone wants to stretch their budgets these days, but don’t think that means you can’t still do some spring shopping!  One great idea to consider is resale shops.  These shops that sell used items are a lot trendier than you are probably imagining and have some great buys on clothes, accessories and more.  Diana Weiser at Crazy 4 Consignment explains, “We accept beautiful spring name brand ladies fashion and get new items in daily!  We also have Vera Bradley bags and purses, Thomas Kinkaid artwork, Irvin Dixon pottery and much much more.”

New clothes are also arriving daily at Cause for Paws.  Jane Powell says, “We are getting lots of spring items in, such as tops, skirts, dress slacks, jackets, dresses, jeans, shoes, scarves and jewelry for juniors and women sizes xs-4x.”

Sarah Gauger with OMT! adds, “Of course we’re flooding the racks with new spring consignments but we’re received lots of new inventory as well.  Lightweight infinity scarves and jelly bean color silicon coin purses are a few of my faves.”

Owners of resale shops are also seeing many fashion trends and are able to help their customers put together looks.  “The mod style and peplum look is back with the bright and vibrant colors,” points out Diana Weiser. “I also have high hopes that the palazzo pants will have a great comeback!”

Jane Powell adds, “This spring we are seeing a lot of prints and patterns on clothing, which is great because everyone has plain pieces in their closets that a patterned or print piece will complement.  This spring we purchased some great scarves at market that have jewels or pendants attached to the scarves and it is a real easy piece to put on and an easy piece to add to any outfit.  They just take the look of scarves to the next level!”

“I’m excited to see the return of pastel colors to the spring pallet,” says Sarah Gauger.  “Hues like mint, peach and shell pink will be everywhere!  My one favorite spring piece is a vintage Ralph Lauren chambray blouse that is so soft and comfortable.  I plan on throwing it on over everything!”

Taking resale clothes from the office to a casual setting is easy as well.  “Spring is all about color,” Sarah Gauger explains.  “In a more formal workplace, use color as an accent.  In a casual setting, add an infinity scarf and fun bracelets.”

Jane Powell suggests, “We have a lot of versatile pieces that can be dressed up or down depending on your workplace and can be added into your existing wardrobe.  You can make an appointment with us or stop in and we can help you add to an existing piece or wardrobe or can set you up with some new pieces that can be mixed and matched for the formal or casual workplace.”

One of the great things about resale shops is that not only can you get some great bargains on high fashion, but you can also take in clothing or accessories you don’t wear and either get cash or credit at the shop.  This is perfect for that jacket you bought last year but never wore, that awesome pair of pants that doesn’t fit quite right or anything else that you either purchased and never wore (and couldn’t return) or wore for a season and are ready to replace with something new.

Resale shops are especially good for teens clothing as they are always wanting something new and may grow out of clothing from one year to the next.  It’s a great incentive to tell you teenage daughter that she can have more new clothes for the next school year if she agrees to go through her closet and come up with a box of clothes you can take to a resale shop to sell or get credit for.

Accessorize

Accessories make the outfit, we all know that.  But they can also CHANGE the outfit, stretching your wardrobe dollars.  For example, a simple black dress could be dressed up with fancy jewelry, a sparkly scarf and heels or be made casual with chunky boots and tights, a cotton scarf and some funky earrings.  Buying a few quality pieces, such as a nice pair of pants or capris, a pair of jeans you feel great in, a few dresses and some basic tops and then putting together different looks with shoes, jewelry, scarves and belts is an awesome way to move into the new season with a whole new look for not much money!  Most accessories are relatively inexpensive and you can get a number of bracelets, earrings, scarves and necklaces for the price of one outfit.

Don’t Forget the Jewelry

Many boutiques offer fun jewelry options to wear with spring outfits, but it’s also a good idea to visit a store that specializes in jewelry as well to find some pieces that will pull your outfits together.  Jenny Thomas with AT Thomas says, “We are seeing spring trends of rose gold and jewelry emphasizing nature including leaf, floral and vine styles popping up everywhere.  You can easily incorporate these into your spring style by adding a new item to your jewelry collection by adding a rose gold band with a piece you already wear, or you can reset your diamonds into a style featuring rose gold.”

This spring, Jenny is most exciting for their female clients who will be receiving a new ring or purchasing one for themselves.  “We have focused on having a new assortment that looks nothing like our previous inventory,” she says.  “Engagement rings with black diamonds, rose gold and natural looking pieces will be sure to help you ‘spring forward’.  We’ve purchased an ultra-modern engagement ring that has black diamond sides and a tension set center diamond.  It’s amazing!  I look forward to meeting the fabulous lady who will wear this design.  I am sure she will be a show stopper!”

Hair Styles

No spring look is complete without a new hairstyle!  Your hair is the finishing touch on any outfit and should be one that flatters you and that shows your personality.  Depending on your line of work, you might need to stay conservative or you might be encouraged to have a style with a little flair!  The most important thing when it comes to hairstyles is developing a relationship with a stylist who you return to each time you need a cut, color or other treatment.  When you get to know your stylist, you become more comfortable with them and trust them with your hair.  They can also get to know you, your lifestyle and how your hair reacts to certain products, treatments and cuts so they can suggest new things for you to keep you on the cutting edge.

Everyone should start spring with a new, updated look!  Remember to shop local, get to know your local shop owners, check out resale shops and don’t forget that jewelry and hair style!!

Nick Vuko

Your new graduate will soon be leaving the nest for college or to pursue career opportunities, and you may want to review your insurance coverage to make sure you have the proper options to accommodate any changes in location and housing.   Nikki Ostrander of Watts Insurance can help you sort through your options for coverage.  She suggests that for a student living in the dorms, staying on the same family policy and notifying your agent of the change in residence is often the best option and you should consider adding coverage for any personal property that is away from your primary residence.  Some companies even offer up to 30% extra personal property coverage with your existing policy.  If you choose an apartment or rental, it would be more beneficial to start a separate auto policy so that you are eligible for additional renter’s insurance to cover your personal property.  Many companies also offer discounts when you have more than one policy with them.  Since each company has their own guidelines for discounts based on the policies and coverage, you should utilize the expertise of your insurance agent to take your information and find a package that will work the best for your individual and family needs.  Watts Insurance is an independent agency that represents several different companies to give you more options and competitive pricing.  Ostrander also urges students to get good grades, as a B average (3.0 GPA) gets you a hefty discount with most companies.  Students are busy people, so call Watts Insurance Group for a quote and they will do the work for you!

If you decide to host the graduation party at your home, it is important to make a great impression on your guests with the space you are entertaining in.  You may not have time or the budget to completely remodel or renovate your home simply for a graduation party, but there are improvements you can make that are easy and inexpensive but can still make an impact on the look and functionality of your space.  Lisa Giesbrecht, a designer for GV Kustom Kitchens, recommends simple updates such as changing out the cabinet hardware for a more updated look and clean finish, changing or adding light fixtures, especially over an island or peninsula area such as in the kitchen, dining room or bar, or adding fresh, new window treatments.  If you want to do a little more, a popular service offered by GV Kustom Kitchens is changing the color of cabinetry by re-staining or painting the existing cabinetry to create a different look.  Another smaller scale project would be to install new countertops and backsplash.  Giesbrecht noted that many of their customers are opting for the quartz countertops because of the easy maintenance and great durability features.  Pairing this with an updated tile backsplash can make a big impact!  New flooring and a fresh coat of paint are also easier updates for the kitchen and entertaining area, and you will be surprised how these small changes can work together to make your space look brand new.  Hosting a graduation party is a perfect time to showcase the finished product of a remodeling project, so if you do have an adequate amount of time and budget to complete such an undertaking there are plenty of options to add some extra space for entertaining.  An important feature to include is creating a separate space for serving and preparation.  In new or remodeled kitchens, Giesbrecht often includes a coffee or snack bar that is set apart from the main cooking area, and converting counter space often used as a “kitchen desk” into a functional service area can optimize your space.  Creating zones, such as a prep, baking, serving, and clean-up zones is a great way to design when thinking about entertaining or having multiple people working in the kitchen.  GV Kustom Kitchens provides free estimates and can offer their expertise in any kitchen remodeling or renovation project that you are considering.

A new car is the pinnacle of exciting gifts that a graduate possibly will receive, and even though it may seem frivolous, there can be benefits to both the graduate and their parents depending on how you use the process of purchasing a new car; from choosing the car, to getting it checked out, and even financing.  A new car can contribute to their sense of accomplishment that will translate into future successes, a sense of security that comes with a reliable vehicle, especially if the student is going out of state for college or work, and can serve as a stepping stone for financial responsibility if both the student and parents are involved in the process.  Tim Richter, co-owner of Miracle Mile Motors, has several recommendations for buying a new car as a graduation milestone.  He advises parents that although buying a new vehicle as a surprise gift is fun and exciting, the process can be multi-tiered to provide lessons that can be invaluable to any young adult in the future if they are a part of purchasing the vehicle.  If you are financing the new car, you may want to put your child on the loan to build their credit, so when they get out of school they will have some established credit as a tool to become even more financially independent.  Additionally, the graduate should put something of their own into the car to signify their investment, such as part of the payment or paying the taxes, so they are more involved and as a result will take better care and responsibility of the vehicle.  He also recommends doing research beforehand, so that you can come prepared to discuss your wants and needs as well as any questions that you have already come across with the Sales Representative so they can help get you into a car that is the right fit for you.  Richter also highly recommends doing research on warranty options and buying a service contract with the vehicle that supplements the warranty so that if any problems arise in an unfamiliar setting, those issues can be taken care of easily and with minimal out-of-pocket costs that a college student may not be able to afford on their own.   This not only helps with budgeting, but also will give you a good idea of the process to expect if any major mechanical issues occur.

For anyone moving away from Lincoln to attend college, the change in location will also come with new territory that you will have to learn to navigate.  This potentially increases the likelihood of being involved in an accident or mishap with your vehicle.  Tracy’s Collision Centers have been in business since 1969 operating 2 innovative facilities in Lincoln. Over 4 decades of operation have produced a genuine understanding to achieving the optimum collision repair experience for their esteemed customers of all ages.  Integrity is the difference between a car that performs like new and one that just looks like it. Tracy’s not only has the expertise and ability to meticulously restore your vehicle’s original factory appearance, but are committed to deliver more than just a “cosmetic makeover.” They repair your vehicle so it once again meets factory specifications. Once the repairs are complete, you can be as confident of your vehicles performance as you were the day you bought it.  When it’s time to choose a repair facility to care for your car, it all comes down to a matter of trust. Having your vehicle damaged is unpleasant enough without the additional worry of wondering whether the repair work will be accurate and reliable. Tracy’s Collision Center wants to give you peace of mind that comes from knowing your vehicle is in capable hands and the assurance that it will be completely restored to its pre-accident condition.  Tom Tracy, owner of Tracy’s Collision Centers, recommends that any young adult who already owns their vehicle or is looking to purchase a new or used car should visit a local auto repair shop or take their car in for service to observe and participate in the process.  This will allow them to feel more comfortable when bringing their car in, and also to be more knowledgeable about what to expect and what processes are being used to maintain or restore their vehicle, including what services to prepare for in the future.  Being a responsible vehicle owner is a result of learned behaviors, and the more you know, especially based on experience, the better off you will be in the future.

Once a graduate has their new car and heads off to a new college campus or job site, they will be responsible for the care and maintenance of that vehicle, and choosing a business that you trust to care for your vehicle and keep it in great condition is an important decision to be made.  Kevin Cole at NAPA Autocare Center suggests having an oil change and full inspection done by a professional according to manufacturer’s guidelines on a regular basis.  NAPA Autocare Centers will not only change your oil, but will perform an inspection of all filters, fluids, brakes, belts, hoses and suspension parts as well as any other safety equipment according to your vehicle’s specifications.  Any services or repairs performed by a NAPA Auto Care Center also carry a nationwide 24 month, 24,000 mile Peace of Mind warranty. It is also important to supplement these services with a basic knowledge of your vehicle so you can perform your own inspection periodically to extend its life and quality.  NAPA Autocare can educate any customer on where to check the fluid levels, tire pressure, and what types of fluids go into the vehicle upon request, and you can also refer to the owner’s manual as a guideline for general maintenance intervals, fluid types and locations, all the way down to what type of light bulb to use.  Additionally, Cole recommends having a “survival kit” located in the vehicle at all times.  This should include rubber gloves, a basic tool kit, flashlight, extra batteries, a basic jack, and a tire iron.  It is also a good idea to have spare fuses, fluids, and spare bulbs in case of emergency.  If a vehicle has locking lug nuts, it’s a good idea to be aware of this and have a spare key located in a place that is easy to access.  Ensuring that a student or young adult knows where these items are and how they are used will not only save you from costly repairs later on, but can guarantee you peace of mind.

For the student who will be graduating next year, one of the major decisions ahead is choosing a photographer for senior pictures.  Shane and Sunny Photography is an established Lincoln studio that doesn’t offer the same old package options, but rather lets seniors create their OWN package that includes unlimited poses!  Their product lines include custom albums, wall décor, the essential wallet photos, and even jewelry.  All products are designed to fit each senior’s personality and style.  For most future seniors, this will be their first photo shoot and one they will always remember, so it is important to keep that in mind when choosing a photographer to create that memory for the senior and their family.  Sunny Dwyer stresses that your clothing choices are critical when it comes to senior pictures, as the wrong clothes can bust any session no matter how amazing the photographer is.  Shane and Sunny Photography sends a style guide to all of their senior clients, and this is not just for clothes, but also for appropriate accessories and undergarments, hair and make-up tips, and other helpful information.  They also choose the locations based on the senior’s style, clothing choices, and the weather.  All senior clients will receive a mixture of indoor and outdoor images, and they strive to find the best light in any situation.  Sunny Dwyer emphasizes that graduating high school is a huge accomplishment well worth celebrating and enjoying each part of the process, and they are honored to provide products and services that will enhance your graduation experience.

One of the most valuable pieces of artwork you will ever be able to display are your child’s senior pictures.  For proud parents that want to showcase the accomplishments of their graduate, it is a great idea to invest in a quality framing service that will not only make them look polished wherever you place them, but will also preserve their quality.  Senior pictures are one item that serves as a memento for graduates, but there are many other items of importance that you may have earned and can be proud of.  Some examples of these include diplomas, tassels, sports letters, medals, music awards, academic honor documents, and jerseys or uniforms.   You can bring senior pictures or any of these items in to Hangups Gallery, and they will organize them in order to professionally frame as a group or separately.  This enables you to preserve and showcase your accomplishments and cherished memories for years to come.  As a member of PPFA (Professional Picture Framers Association), the international trade association for the art and framing industry, Hangups Gallery employs fine quality craftsmanship and guarantees framing practices to professional world-class standards.  Their framing consultants have backgrounds in art and collectively, have over 50 years of experience and a full spectrum of design expertise to guarantee that you go home with that “just right frame”.  To find some direction on this type of creative endeavor, you can stop into the Hangups for a consultation or visit their website for more ideas.

Experts would agree that adjusting to a life of independence coming from a heavily structured environment of high school can be difficult and overwhelming at times.  College can be stressful and there is no reason to add more to your plate with your teeth.  Dr. Andrew Glenn has seen many issues come up regarding third molars, or wisdom teeth, around the age when young adults are graduating or in college, and recommends having a check-up with your general dentist prior to going off to college to review whether the spacing with your other teeth is sufficient to allow for your wisdom teeth to remain.  Wisdom teeth are always easier to remove before they are fully developed, and since healing may take a significant amount of time and is different for everyone, the sooner you have them removed the better off you will be in the long run. Also, this will be one less thing you will have to attend to when life is pulling you in many other directions.  For routine care, try to brush at least twice a day and floss at least once a day, and always change toothbrushes every three months.  Dr. Glenn recommends visiting your dentist twice a year for a cleaning and examination, and to schedule your next visit right after the current one so you establish a routine.  Having a full exam sometime during the summer before going to college not only gets it done and out of the way before you become too busy with school, work, and extra-curricular activities, but also gives you a chance to have any necessary treatments performed before any problems escalate.  Routine care and cleanings are crucial, as the last thing you want is for a painful mouth to keep you from your studies and having fun.  Also, parents, family and friends who love to send care packages can throw in some new toothbrushes, floss, and toothpaste, or even include travel size products because they are perfect to stash in a backpack and will also serve as a reminder.  Always give yourself the gift of a healthy, pain-free and beautiful smile.  Self-confidence goes along with having nice teeth, and one of the best features that you have is your smile.  Make the most of it and share it with your new friends and college community!

Kevin Knudson, owner of Quick TEQ, currently has an 18-year-old son heading off to college and three children who are college graduates. This has given him plenty of firsthand experience of what technological equipment new graduates are purchasing and using for school.  There are a growing number of choices when selecting smartphones and tablets today, with the choices changing a lot just since last year. Today because of smart phones, most people already carry what is an equivalent to a netbook computer in their pocket or purse. Knudson says that there has been a change in trends from using desktop computers to laptops, and now tablets have made a huge advancement in portable technology as well as being very useful and popular with young adults.  There are accessories available, such as Bluetooth keyboards, which can transform tablets into the equivalent of a simple laptop. In fact, tablets out-sold laptops in the last quarter of 2012.  Currently, Knudson recommends having a smartphone and/or tablet and a laptop for portability.  Kids now expect information to be at their fingertips, and these provide the ability to access any type of information you may need anytime, anywhere.    Computer programs are also adapting to the changing trends in equipment.  Operating systems will continue to evolve into more user friendly features.  Applications, or what are referred to as “apps”, are the new normal.  We will expect our computers to have swipe screens, boot up instantly and work at light speed.  Knudson also projects that technology will drive our learning styles quicker than ever before.  Universities are focusing more and more on classes being taught with online learning.  Information on any subject is available at our fingertips, and if you want to become an expert at anything you can just ask Google.  Knowledge is power, and knowing how to learn is very important.  Technology will only become more important as the world moves further into the digital age.

Graduation is a time when a young adult feels a great sense of accomplishment and also excitement for the future.  There are a few small things you can do for yourself during this time that will benefit you when you head to college or into the workforce.  When you receive all the cards wishing you well, you will also likely receive the traditional monetary gift that accompanies them.  Instead of blowing your cash on summer plans or that new item that you’ve been dying to purchase, save this money and put it towards your first semester’s textbooks, technology that will make your life easier, or just save it so you can focus on your new college setting for a little while without worrying about a job or finances.  You could also spend this money on a nice set of clothes for professional activities or potential internship opportunities.  Also, whether you are going to college or right into the workforce, take on responsibilities to ensure you will still have a structured schedule similar to the one you had in high school.  This can include joining an on-campus club or organization, finding a job with hours that supplement your schedule well but not too much to distract you from school, and if you are working ask your boss about projects that you can be involved in.  Being pro-active, responsible, and dependable are incredibly valuable life skills that are necessary for success anywhere.

There are many factors that should drive your decision to attend college, including your personal goals.  For some, school can’t end soon enough and they will pursue a job or career without attending college.  Despite the rising cost of education that makes its value a topic of scrutiny, attending a four-year college and earning a bachelor’s degree is a still a worthwhile plan and statistics substantiate this as well.  In fact, over the course of a typical working career an average person with a college degree will earn one million dollars more than an average person with only a high school diploma.  To make your college degree worth the investment of two to four years of time and a significant amount of money, there are some things to keep in mind.  It may sound fun to go out of state to college, but consider staying local for your first two years.  For most degree programs, your first two years will be filled with general education courses that for the most part are completely unrelated to your major or focus.  You can take these courses at a local institution for a fraction of the cost of a typical university, and most are transferrable to your institution of choice at any time.  Now that you are making a monetary investment in your education, it is your responsibility to be successful and take advantage of all you are paying for.  The more you learn and the better you do in college, the better your resume and qualifications will be when you start looking for a job after graduating college.  Good grades not only look great on paper, but they can benefit you in many other ways such as discounts on insurance and accolades from your school. They may also provide opportunities such as additional scholarships or eligibility for organizations.

When a person graduates from college, they have more distinct direction to follow based upon their focus of study, job prospects, and further education goals.  When graduating from high school, on the other hand, the possibilities are endless.  We live in a climate of constant economic change, and many people’s opinions of post-high school education have shifted to be more welcoming of young adults who wish to bypass college and enter the workforce right after graduating from high school.  With regards to choosing a college, there are currently a wealth of options available other than a traditional four-year university, including two year Associate’s degrees, trade schools, and online programs.  The best plan is to have one.  Consider all of your options carefully, and give yourself enough time to change your mind– even a couple of times.  Make use of your resources, such as school counselors, and check out plenty of websites on potential colleges, their programs, and additional offerings.  Not all colleges are created equal, and cost alone is not necessarily an accurate indicator of what they may have to offer you.  Focus not only on each prospective institution’s educational programs, but also on access to supplemental programs that will assist you with life after college, such as career placement services.  You will give yourself a better chance for success if you have done the research, and being fully prepared to make decisions that will impact the rest of your life will further ensure success into the future.

Lincoln Human Resource Management Association: LHRMA provides Human Resource Management professionals the opportunity to interchange ideas, experiences, and practices while promoting professional ethics and acquaintanceship.

The organization is comprised of 400 HR professionals from the greater Lincoln area.  Annual membership is $50.  Benefits of membership include:
• Monthly meetings with learning events and professional speakers
• Sharing of HR information • Professional networking
• Committee work with peers • PHR/SPHR/GPHR certification
• Career Development • Monthly newsletter
• Membership directory • Area wage & salary survey
• Legislative updates  • Scholarship programs
• Diversity programs
Next Meeting:  Tuesday, March 12th,  luncheon 11:30 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.-  “Form I-9 and E-Verify” and afternoon seminar 1:15 p.m. – 3:15 p.m. – “HR for Small Business”.  For more information visit:  www.lincolnhr.org.
Join LHRMA in March and mention this ad to receive a $15 coupon for a FREE Monthly Luncheon.

Well Workplace Nebraska: Well Workplace Nebraska (WWPNE) is a nonprofit organization serving the state of Nebraska, with a mission to lead employers to create a workplace culture of health and wellness.  WWPNE falls under the umbrella of the Wellness Council of the Midlands (WELCOM), which was founded more than 30 years ago in Omaha.  As a membership organization, companies across Nebraska are invited to join WWPNE in order to obtain tools and resources that can assist with workplace wellness efforts.  WWPNE members receive access to a members-only website, and free admission to educational trainings that provide a foundational understanding of the ways in which to strategically develop and enhance worksite wellness programs.  Member companies also have the opportunity to apply for the Well Workplace Award, which is a nationally recognized designation as one of America’s Healthiest Companies.  Overall, WWPNE serves to keep member companies on the cutting edge of best practices within the field of employee wellness. www.wellnesscouncil.org

Lincoln’s Young Professionals Group: The Lincoln Young Professionals Group began as a way to empower young professionals in Lincoln.  Through YPG young professionals can embrace personal growth and be part of a team advancing Lincoln into the future.  YPG is a great opportunity to voice input and be heard.  Young professionals can polish leadership skills and make connections with business leaders.   Lincoln’s YPG supported the Pinnacle Bank Arena, Entertainment District and worked as brand ambassadors to take ownership in Lincoln’s future.  The Lincoln YPG organization is the largest in the state of Nebraska and one of the most successful in the nation.

To learn more about Lincoln YPG call Jaime Henning at 436-2366 or e-mail at jaimehenning@LCOC.com.  For more information please visit our website at www.lincolnypg.com.

ASTD-Lincoln: Talent retention has become a top business challenge, and employers are expecting talent management to grow in importance. Over half of employers rate it as a top priority at their organization today, but 76% expect it to be a top priority within the next three to five years. The American Society for Training and Development (ASTD) is the leading association for workforce learning professionals, helping organizations develop a more engaged and productive workforce.

ASTD-Lincoln members gain tools and methods at regular chapter learning events and workshops , and obtain access to national certificate programs. Members enjoy full access to our website—astdlincoln.org—packed with resources, job postings, and much more.

ASTD-Lincoln membership can expand your professional network. Enjoy reciprocal benefits with Omaha-based ASTD Nebraska. We collaborate annually with the Lincoln Human Resource Management Association (LHRMA). We can even help you connect with ASTD’s 130+ local chapters in the U.S. and more than 30 international partners with an ASTD National membership. The members of ASTD-Lincoln are TAKING ACTION!

Home Builders Association of Lincoln: The Home Builders Association of Lincoln (HBAL) is a visible, effective and respected trade association which promotes home building through professional education, member communication and civic participation, and which represents builders and associated professionals in community, governmental and industry forums.

With more than 500 member companies, HBAL proudly promotes the Nebraska Builders Home & Garden Show, Spring & Fall Parade of Homes and Tour of Remodeled Homes. These events not only benefit our members, but also the public. Whether it is to earn an industry designation or to be better prepared for an OSHA or EPA inspection, HBAL offers education and training to its members.

To learn more about joining HBAL, go to www.hbal.org for a membership application and to see the many services of this 62-year-old builders association.

BNI of the Heartland: Those that truly want to build a firm networking foundation know that they need to nurture their future referral partner and build a relationship with them.  However, some businesspeople still make the mistake of assuming their phone will magically start ringing with referrals simply because they make a habit of handing out their business card to potential referral partners.
Handing out your business card to others is a tiny step in the process of Relationship Networking—you must follow up and continually make efforts at building successful relationships with them. Dr. Ivan Misner in the book Business By Referral, shares five things you should get to know about anyone you wish to establish a relationship with.
-Goals
-Accomplishments
-Interests
-Networks
-Skills
Building a true Networking Plan takes some effort but the rewards are great. For more information, please visit, www.bniheartland.com, email info@bniheartland.com, or call (402) 880-6311.

Women in Sales & Business: If you are looking for a friendly, supportive group of business women to network, collaborate and even make some new friends… then Women in Sales & Business (WISB) is for you!  WISB meets the second Wednesday of every month at The Knolls Restaurant from 11:30-1:00.

WISB started meeting in 1987 to offer business women the opportunity to network within an intimate group. The value of this mentorship from your sisters in the business and sales community dwarfs the time commitment needed for our monthly meetings.

We provide timely up-to-date information with real work application to enhance your business. Our educational training is incorporated in our monthly luncheons to maximize the collaboration within our membership.

Please join us for our next meeting on March 14th.   Our guest speaker is Jeannine Bryant, Marketing Director for Changing Spaces.  Her presentation is “Live Your Best Life Now:  How to rightsizing can improve your life right now” Practical tips for clearing out the clutter at your home and office.  Please contact Amy Larson at 402-466-3342 or by email alarson@dsmedia.com for more information.

NAIFA Tagline:  Connections that Count!

The “National Association of Insurance and Financial Advisors (NAIFA) comprises more than 700 state and local associations including Lincoln.  They represent and advocate on the interests of more than 200,000 members nationwide.  Members focus their practices on one or more of the following:  Life insurance and annuities, financial advising and investments, multiline, and health insurance and employee benefits.

NAIFA connects you to the resources you need to be successful.  We are your voice on Capitol Hill and in your backyard, fighting for a positive legislative and regulatory environment for Insurance and financial professionals.  We provide education and networking opportunities that help your business grow.  Bottom line-NAIFA provides value for your membership!

Southeast Nebraska’s association (NAIFA-Cornhusker) meets in Lincoln monthly, members have the opportunity to participate in a meeting that consists of networking, expert breakout sessions including a peer speaker discussing sales ideas and how they become successful.

For information, please visit www.naifa-cornhusker.org

LIBA offers numerous opportunities to network with other Lincoln business leaders. LIBA’s monthly Biz-Net events are free to attend and provide a great place to meet other local business people and City Council members. The people who attend Biz-Net are eager to have a discussion about your business. Because it is a free event, you can invite customers or vendors to attend and give them a chance to grow their businesses too.

The LIBA Referral Networks (LRN) offers a more personal method for you to expand your sales team by educating other LRN members about your business. These groups do more than just exchange business cards. They also offer marketing ideas that get results and discuss events in Lincoln’s business community.

Yes there is more, including the monthly LIBA luncheon where you have the chance to have lunch with hundreds of business and community leaders every month.  We would like to add your voice to our organization.  Call 466-3419.

www.LIBA.org

ABWA : The ABWA’s mission is to bring together businesswomen of diverse occupations and to provide opportunities for them to help themselves and others grow personally and professionally through leadership, education, networking support, and national recognition. As women, we need a strong and vital community of ABWA members like you—so we stay strong together. Members who are committed to learning, mentoring, and growing our ABWA community. It may be a cliché to say, “there is strength in numbers,” but clichés often hold great truths. Commit to growing ABWA and use the annual theme as your mantra. We can— and we will—grow stronger together! The Network Chapter meets the first Tuesday of every month for lunch. Please contact us today if you would like to visit our chapter! Please call Larissa at 402-540-3185 or visit our Facebook page at Facebook.com/ABWALincoln.

Center Sphere: Center Sphere takes traditional networking to the next level. It is about building solid, trusted, active networks through forming deep relationships. We take traditional networking beyond leads and referrals. Our members are committed to creating alliances, partnerships, and synergistic opportunities within our Center Sphere.

Our 18 Chapters meet on a weekly basis to form relationships that make referring business to one another a natural reaction. Each chapter is made up of business professionals from a wide range of industries. We are affordable, motivated and dedicated to growing your business!

Find out why Center Sphere IS the place for you by visiting a chapter this week! Visit www.centersphere.com for more info.

Remember, your Network is your Net Worth!

Lincoln Chamber of Commerce: The Lincoln Chamber of Commerce continues to grow and expand opportunities in Lincoln.  Through the Chamber, your company will gain the publicity and brand recognition it needs to compete in today’s competitive environment.  By sponsoring a Chamber program your company will reach local businesses and community leaders who recognize and appreciate companies that help support sound economic development initiatives.  The recognition you receive will ensure you make those important connections necessary for the future success of your business.

For more information on how to get your business engaged call Jaime Henning at 436-2366 or e-mail at jaimehenning@LCOC.com.  For more information please visit our website at www.LCOC.com.

Christian Business Men’s Connection : Most men struggle with areas of their life that hinder them from becoming all they can be.  During the past 83 years, CBMC has been meeting business and professional men, where they are, and assisting them to become all God designed them to be.  Effective Small Group Topical Studies, Leadership Development, Roundtable Discussion, Networking, Relationship Building and 1-on-1 coaching to develop successful life-applications that equip men to succeed in the most significant issues of their lives: Walking With God, Living Their Faith, Marriage, Raising Children & Teenagers, Money, Sex & Moral Purity, Work, Going Through Hard Times and Making Life Count.

Perhaps you are finding it increasingly difficult to function in a moral and ethical way when so many others around you have another agenda.  Receiving support and encouragement from fellow business people is an important part of CBMC.  Go to lincoln.cbmc.com and let us know how we can help.

Professional Networking Group: Five years ago in February, Professional Networking Group was formed with one simple goal: bring like minded people together for the purpose of giving and receiving referrals.  Over the past 7 years nearly 200 teammates have benefited from PNG through 1,000s of leads worth over a half million dollars in closed business  We are currently looking to add quality teammates to our six groups throughout Lincoln. PNG meets every other week for an hour and believes in strengthening the core of Lincoln owned businesses and business operators.  For more information visit www.PNGLincoln.com.

REALTORS® Association of Lincoln: The REALTORS® Association of Lincoln was chartered in 1920. Thirty-four years later the Multiple Listing Service (MLS) was launched to give brokers a tool to facilitate cooperation in the selling process. Today, the REALTORS® Association of Lincoln is a volunteer-driven organization with 14 standing committees and forums that give direction and provide feedback to a 16-member Board of Directors. All members are encouraged to volunteer for association committees.

The mission of the Association is to provide programs and services that enhance your career. As a REALTOR® you work hard and it is important to know the benefits available to you. Through the REALTOR® organization you gain the strength of numbers for industry issues and purchasing power; a higher level of professionalism through standards of practice; and the right to use the term REALTOR®.

For more information, please contact Elinor Lane at (402) 441-3626 or visit www.LincolnREALTORS.com.

Working with a General Contractor

Choosing the right general contractor is probably the largest determining factor on whether or not your project will be a successful one. Not only will they be spearheading the project for you and handling subcontractors, but they are also a wealth of information and advice as the best contractors have the experience, training and knowledge to problem-solve and think outside the box to make sure your project as a success.
Scott Elley with Lund-Ross Constructors advises, “First off, you need to understand the scope of the project, how the building will be used, who will inhabit the building and their special needs and how the building will be used. From warehouse to office space, each require a specific understanding of site location, specific needs and more. You also need to think about what image you want your building to portray to your staff and clients. If it is to be a negotiated project with the general contractor, then these questions and many more can be addressed with them. If it is a bid situation with numerous general contractors bidding on the project, there will be varying estimates on the construction of the project. Remember, the low bid doesn’t always equal the best contractor being awarded the project. A client should look for a balance between the cost of the project and the amenities as this will result in the best value for the client.”

He goes to offer these suggestions for choosing a general contractor: “The client should first consider a list of contractors from the architectural firm they are working with on their project. The architects will have a feel for the contractors, the type of work they do, ease of working with, quality of construction, meeting deadlines, and their history of bringing projects in on time and at budget. From there the client and the architect should focus on any general contractors that specialize in the type of project they are building. For example, if it is historic renovation, then they should consider a contractor who specializes in this type of work, and knows the specific requirements of this type of project. Our company, for example, specializes in historic renovations, schools, churches, multi-family, senior housing and non-profit projects. Other things to consider are safety records of the general contractor, if they have numerous years’ experience and if they are keeping up on the latest construction methods.”

Jerry Huismann with Lacy Construction also has some pointers from his experience as the president of a general contracting business. “When undertaking a commercial construction project, the first thing you need to do is define your goals for the project: What will you be able to do when this project is complete? Can I accomplish this by any other means? How much time do I want to spend with this project? You should also select a builder early and talk to their references. Your builder should be a great source of information, such as latest materials and methods. When choosing a builder, you should go with one you trust. A builder with integrity will go much further than a lengthy contract. To find one you can trust, talk to others in your industry, the Chamber of Commerce and your business advisors. Once you have a list, meet with the potential builders and talk to their past clients about their experience. At the end of the day, the builder you choose should represent your best interests, even at their expense. At Lacy, we strive to find repeat customers and we do this by treating them with respect and courtesy. We have the experience, systems and capabilities to do it right each and every time. You can be assured of having the best every time we build for you.”

One thing you may consider is going with a general contractor who has experience with the type of project you are having built (especially if it is industry-specific, such as a church, healthcare facility or office park, for example). “Some contractors may specialize in certain areas,” explain Wes Oestreich with Cheever Construction, “but the majority of our area general contractors are capable and have past experience on a variety of projects. Potential owners should always explore a contractor’s past project list and the level of satisfaction those clients had wit ha particular contractor.”

Wes also suggests you look into contractors who can be a ‘one-stop shop’ for the majority of your project. “Cheever Construction is practiced as a one-call source for design and construction,” he says. “As an integral part of the Design-Build team, we work together throughout the project to deliver quality control, schedule clarity and minimize project risk. An advantage of Design Build is that construction often begins before final design is complete, allowing for a shorter timeframe.  Our Design Build deliverables include design and budgeting, scheduling, project management and project closeout.”

Consider GPS Tracking Services

Contractors who are working on your project will want to make sure they are doing so to the best of their ability, which involves managing equipment, workers and costs. One way to help them do this is to incorporate GPS tracking in their vehicles as well as their equipment. Kelly Jensen with LincTrack GPS Solutions said, “We can put GPS tracking devices in vehicles your employees will be driving to and from jobsites as well as in equipment that will either remain on-site or be moved from site to site. Not only does this help you manage your crew and make sure they are where they are supposed to be, but it also allows you to manage your equipment and track losses in case something is stolen from a construction site.”

Theft of heavy construction equipment is a lucrative business and the last thing you want is to have your project compromised because of a loss that can be prevented. Not only will integrating GPS tracking into your project make it more likely you will recover any stolen equipment, but it will also reduce the time it takes to recover them, reducing the likelihood that your equipment will be dismantled or damaged by the time it is recovered. “Loss of one piece of equipment due to theft will cost your business more than years of tracking services on all of your equipment,” Jensen explained. “When you do the math, it’s well worth the investment.”

Suggest Roll Offs

Your project is not a small undertaking and it will probably involve a lot of excess materials that you don’t want sitting around. If your contractor is a professional, he or she will have probably already found a solution to this problem. However, you can always offer suggestions and one of those suggestions would be renting a roll off for your project. First Choice Roll-offs offers three sizes (15, 20 and 30 cubic yards) of containers so you or your contractor can choose the right size for the job. They have also been serving Lincoln and Lancaster County for over 13 years, so you can be rest assured they have the knowledge and experience needed to get you the right tools to get your job done right!

Working with a Plumber

Unless you are building a structure that will not have a kitchen or bathroom, you will need to work with a plumber on your project. Jack Zohner with John Henry’s says, “Most commercial construction projects go through the bidding process and subcontractor bids are awarded by a general contractor. Plumbers typically are required to install the utilities to and n the buildings that may be at elevations lower than the footings. Often, it’s easier and quicker to install those utilities prior to the installation of the footings.”

Jack goes on to say, “The size of the project and scope of the work typically determines whether we work with the general contractor or owners of buildings. Because we are a service-oriented business and have excellent communication skills, we prefer to work directly with the owners.”

When choosing a plumber for your project, Jack points out, “It’s extremely important for the building owner to carefully check out the work history and backgrounds of all subcontractors because there are too many chances for problems. 90% of the plumbing, heating, and air conditioning contractors will fail within the first 10 years. I have seen quite a few come and go through the years. Building owners should not just go for the low bids because the risks tend to increase. Quality contractors are not necessarily cheap or the highest priced. As the quality goes up their ability to stay competitive remains to a certain extent. It’s important to check references, the Better Business Bureau, credit history, and other sources. A properly installed plumbing, heating, and air conditioning system will last for many years. An improperly installed system will be costly in maintenance and possibly replacement. Do it right the first time!”

Finishing Off Interiors

Of course, your infrastructure and structure of the building are just the beginning…the really fun part comes when you get to finish off the interior and live/work space of your new project! This is where your creativity can kick in and you can work with professionals such as space planners, interior designers, painters, decorators and office supply specialists.

Nicholas Tan with A1 Cabinet & Granite, which offers services such as delivery and installation of custom cut granite and quartz countertops, kitchen and bath cabinets, tiles and more explains, “We usually get involved in a commercial construction project when it’s during the construction stage or when it’s on the finishing stage because our time frame is really quick. The most popular products and services we offer for new construction would be our in-stock cabinets and granite because we have those on sale all the time at a very competitive price and we can get the materials over to the project and installed quickly. The advice that I would give those undertaking a construction project is to take your time, do more research and shop for the best in all aspects of your project!”

The important thing to consider when finishing the interiors goes back to what you need to plan in the beginning: what image are you going for? What will the end us of the building be? An attorney office where they will be welcoming clients into the lobby, offices and conference room will need to look much different than an industrial setting where image is not nearly as important as functionality. Working with an interior designer or other professional in the industry who is familiar with decorating offices will be a good person to partner with when you get to this stage. You may feel lost when looking around showrooms as you are not decorating for what you want, but more for what your tenants/clients/employees, etc. want–a much different situation than decorating your own home!

You also need to think about durability. Choosing items because they ‘look nice’ is probably not the right way to go in this situation. The furniture, flooring, appliances and other items will be getting more wear and tear than they would in a home situation, and this needs to be taken into consideration unless you want to be faced with replacing things every few years (and most building owners don’t want to deal with this hassle or this expense). Again, choosing a professional who has training, knowledge and experience with projects like yours is the best decision you can make when it comes to your commercial construction project.

Consider Facility Management Systems

Facility Management Systems are extremely helpful for business owners as they control security systems as well as heating and cooling elements without you having to be on the premises. When it comes to selecting a Facility Management Systems, Engineered Controls is fully prepared to assist in the development of building controls and security performance criteria.  Engineered Controls maintains a sales staff that can assist with the preparation of specification, sequence writing, equipment selection and procurement.  ECI sales engineers can work with your design team to create an integrated control system to meet your building automation and budget needs.

Pat Killeen of Engineered Controls says, “If you are an owner and considering a temperature control system, make sure you know what you are purchasing. Far too often we bid a project, complete the installation, then at the end of the job start to do owner training and the owner is surprised about how things went together. They then start to look at making changes because they didn’t get what they wanted. It’s very important that the owner be involved with the mechanical consulting engineer on what they are specifying vs. what they want and make sure these two items match. Products we offer for commercial buildings range from electric or electronic temperature control systems, security systems (access control, video monitoring and intrusion detection systems), gas detection and refrigerant monitoring systems, lighting control systems and we finish with parking control systems (gate arms controls that work with access systems or revenue-based access).”

Pat emphasizes the benefits of working with mechanical engineering firms by saying, “We try to provide our services to most all the mechanical engineering firms to make sure they know what products and services we offer in the temperature controls and building automation arena. Since we represent a large company like Honeywell, it is important that our sales staff stay technically current with any new product introduction Honeywell may release. We frequently offer mechanical engineering firms ‘lunch-and-learn’ meetings over the lunch hour to come and sit in on our product presentations while having lunch on us. It is at those meetings we typically discuss their technical specifications and offer suggestions on what changes they might consider making. If we cannot help on the front end with consulting engineers, then we try and accomplish the same task with our end-users after the job is installed.”

Protect Your Investment

Your new commercial building is not only an investment of your time and energy, but it is also an incredible investment of your resources. You want to protect that investment, as well as protect the information stored in your building and the people who live or work within its walls. That’s why every building owner should consider a security system.

R.J. Lipert with AlarmLink says, “Our state-of-the-art systems are custom-designed to fit your needs. We can set up a security system that includes camera surveillance with remote capabilities so you can view the secured area from anywhere with a high speed internet connection or even one that sends you alerts when doors are opened or security codes are punched in. We can do minimum to maximum security depending on your budget, your needs and your personal preferences.”

Security systems are not only meant to keep the ‘bad guys’ out, they are also meant to protect the ‘good guys’ within. Security systems can be equipped with smoke and carbon monoxide detection to provide an extra level of safety to your employees and you can even add on medical alarms that will notify authorities in the event of a medical emergency.

Don’t Forget the Landscaping

Your building is much more than just the structure. Your employees, clients and others who visit the building will begin forming their opinion about your office as soon as they pull into the drive. They won’t be exposed to your gorgeous lobby or the beautiful employee kitchen you had installed as their first impression. What they’ll see instead are your driveway, your lawn, your parking lot and any trees, hardscaping or shrubbery you have outside. That’s why landscaping and curb appeal are very important!

“Adding color, texture and screening are the basics of landscaping any project,” says Ken Svoboda with Ray’s Lawn and Home Care. “From there, projects sometimes can differ greatly. If the commercial project is an office building with several levels, the landscape has to be designed to fit the structure, bringing a balance to the size of the building. The use of larger shrubbery and trees are more prevalent and mass plantings of shrubbery, perennials and trees help bring the landscape into scale with the size of the structure. In most cases, commercial properties are expecting a more low maintenance approach, reducing ongoing and future costs.”

After your landscape is installed, ongoing service is an important part of maintaining its appearance. “Commercial properties are serviced weekly to bi-weekly depending on the landscape, the budget and of course, the expectations of the property manager,” explains Ken. “If there are perennials in the landscape, dead-heading is required to maintain a well-manicured look. Shrubbery is trimmed regularly to maintain a specific size and shape and trees are pruned as necessary to prevent pedestrian and safety problems from arising.”

Make sure you put some thought into choosing the best landscaper for your commercial project. “Choose a landscaper with commercial experience and their own references,” suggests Ken. “A professional landscaper should be able to provide a project manager with a schedule of services detailing what will be done and when. A good project manager will ask to see the operation of the landscaper, his equipment, his employees, etc. Good communication between the landscaper and project manager is extremely important. Office telephones, cell phones, emails and texts are all ways that communication can keep pace with a hectic schedule.”

Parking Lots and Driveways

Another important part of your curb appeal is the parking lot and driveway of your building, especially if you have numerous clients or colleagues that will be coming to your office for meetings. Working with a professional company that specializes in asphalt and/or concrete and that has experience with parking lots and driveways is a key part of your project.

Todd Reinhardt with Reinhardt Contracting specializes in installing new construction asphalt for parking lots, driveways and pathways. “We will prepare the site by obtaining the proper sub grade to lay the asphalt, install the asphalt and provide the final touches of striping, signage and speed bumps,” he explains. If you are building in an area that has an existing parking lot, Todd can also offer asphalt overlay or seal coating, which preserves the existing pavement and adds a fresh layer to the top, giving it a new appearance for less. His company can also fix potholes and large areas that have bad pavement and make it look fresh and new by fixing and re-striping it. No one will even know that your new building is on less than new asphalt or pavement.

Maintaining your parking lot and driveway after construction is complete is also important as wear and tear add up and can make your curb appeal less appealing over time. Working with a company such as Reinhardt Contracting during the construction phase allows you to form a relationship you can rely on over the years when you need your asphalt repaired or renewed.

A commercial construction project is not a small undertaking and one that should be considered well in advance of making plans. Make sure that once you decide building a new office is right for you, you are carefully choosing the right professionals to help you on the road to a successful and stress-free endeavor.