Monday, September 28, 2009

What to Look for When Hiring an Installer?

Here are some helpful questions to ask when looking to hire an installer:

1. Are they insured i.e.: Worker's Comp, General Liability, and Auto?
2. Are they a Licensed California Contractor (Registered by the State)?
3. What Brands of Furniture are they proficient in?
4. Do they have their own installers (employees), contract employees, or off the street hourly?
5. Can they provide missing or broken parts?
6. Can they offer design services?
7. Can they provide answers to your questions?
8. What is your installer's company general knowledge of the other aspects of the project, i.e.: Electrical, Data, Phones, and Project Management?
9. Can you communicate with the installers to solve problems?
10. How detailed is your quote and what does it include?
11. Does your installer have a current list of references?
12. Do they guarantee their work?
13. Is this their main form of business?
14. What kind of experience do they have?

Remember, Deco Designs is your "One Stop Office Furniture Store". Call us for a free quote at 1-800-914-8622 or you can always check out our website at: www.decodesigns.com.

Partition Installation Contracting

I’m sure that when anyone thinks of a contractor, they envision a muscle rippling person with a tan and a tool belt. That may be true in some areas of building but are you aware that companies that install and de-install office partitions and cubicles are required by the state of California to be contractors as well?

As of the late 90’s, all companies that install office partitions need to have a specialty contractors license (C61/D34). We are lumped into the same category as people that install walk-in refrigeration units and bus stops. What does that mean to the consumer? If the company that you hire is not a licensed contractor, the state could fine the contractor thousands of dollars. But that is not the only problem. You as the company hiring the unlicensed contractor also open yourself up to problems. If someone on the job gets hurt, you could be help liable for those injuries. Even if the contractor has workers compensation, a claim could be denied and you could be responsible for the injury/medical bills.

That being said, there are still very few licensed office furniture installers in Santa Clara County and Northern California. Many dealerships in our area don’t have this license and may subcontract out their work to those that do.

The nice thing for the consumer is that when you hire a legal office furniture installation company you are assured to get a contractor that is licensed, bonded, has workers compensation and liability insurance. You can also check to make sure that the company is licensed by going on line by to the California State Contractors License Board web site at www2.cslb.ca.gov.

So the next time your company needs to have their cubicles reconfigured or your adding or deleting stations you’ll know to ask the question, “Are you a licensed California contractor and what is your contractor’s license number”.

Thursday, September 17, 2009

Love of Golf

In addition to offering the best Used Office Furniture and Used Chairs to the Silicon Valley and most of Northern California, I like to take a little time to golf. I golf up and down California and I truly enjoy the game. It is just fun to be out in the sun on great greens hitting great shots. My wife likes to be a little competitive on the course, which keeps our golfing experience very exciting.

I was just thinking to myself of all the courses I have played and I have played some of the best like Pebble, Spyglass, etc., what is my favorite course? After much contemplation, I think my favorite golf course is Myarka in Spain. It is just a great open course and it was just fun to play it.

I am always up for a conversation to talk about Used Office Furniture and Golf, but not necessarily in that order. So feel free to check out my website at www.decodesigns.com for Used Furniture or give me a call at (408) 919-0234.

Thursday, September 10, 2009

Let Me Help You With Purchasing Used Furniture

Do you want to change the look and feel of your office, but you do not want to incur the expense of purchasing new furniture, cubicles, chairs, etc.? Do you think to yourself there has to be an easier way to find furnishings without a lot of unnecessary pressures?

Also during these economical times, we are always looking for ways to improve our purchasing power. I thought I would share some information with you about questions to ask prospective vendors about their used furniture. I broke the information down between Used System and Used Chairs. You can also find additional information on my website at www.decodesigns.com or give me a call at (800) 914-8622 or (408) 919-0234. We are located in San Jose near 880 and 101. You can also look at our website at www.decodesigns.com. Well let’s take a closer look at the used furniture market and how to purchase Used Systems and Used Chairs.

Used Systems – What should I look for?
- Is it a name brand i.e.: Herman Miller, Steelcase, and Haworth?
- Can you purchase more in the future to match either used or refurbished?
- What is the install and future reconfigure costs?
- What size are you looking to buy?
- What is included with each cubicle?
* Do you get a Pedestal?
* Do you get a Flipper Unit?
* Do you get a Shelf?
- Does the company provide design services?
- What are you willing to settle for in terms of your fabric, paint and laminate color?
- Does the company have a pipeline to used dealers around the area, county, and state?
- Is it in good condition as it is or does it need to be cleaned?
- What are the “other” costs if need to add to existing inventory?

Used Chairs – What is a Good Used Chair?
- Is it a brand name?
- Does it still have the original tags on the chair?
- Is the chair still under warranty?
- Is it a current technology?
- What are the chair’s features?
- Why would I want to own this chair?