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Show MH,jnitnA"iirjjiin 'frlday. D&crtitr?."lWTi)E'DA!LY Digital TV is just afotiftd isif imaf g chsrgG conduct a preliminary The Orlando Sentinel study. This can consist of a n. My wife and I recently t with a remodeling con- ictor to discuss an addi- n to our home. The con- Ictor said he expects to reive a retainer fee for Inducing the project cost imate. was surprised that I ght have to pay for an t imate when so many knpanies offer free esti- tes. Is this a legitimate factice? ' lA. Many businesses do offer e estimates. Generally these sinesses are ones that can iiplete an estimate in less in an hour, if not in several nutes, and in many cases vcr have to leave the office to so. Hut there are also many siness owners who charge for time they put into an esti- ite because they recognize value and worth of their le and professional advice, ough not all contractors in industry charge for esti-ite- s, there is good reason for m to do so, and it is a legitime practice. Homeowners thinking about king dn a renovation project ould consider that their estment is worth an accu- te calculation of cost. When a ntractor charges for an esti- ate, it allows him or her to vest more time in completing e estimate. By offering the service at no large, a contractor may be mpted to rush through the ji a lysis, and it may not be as curate. If his figures are not mplete, the contractor is not presenting the true cost of e project, and the clients are it getting an accurate picture the investment required. In the end, the contractor ay have to cut corners to ake a profit on the job, or pass lose additional costs onto the ients. Charging for the estimate so allows the contractor to 11 in subcontractors to evalu- le the project and make rec- nmendations tor value This refers to analyz ing the project so it can be com peted in the most efficient way engi-'erin- pssible. g. In the end, the contractor as done thorough research on le anticipated cost of the pro-c- t, the client knows how to Sudget accurately for the pro-pe- t, and any guesswork can be liminated from the proposal. A typical way for a contrac- jor-testimate-- a project is to three-pag- e outline By POPI LAR MECHANICS for P Special KiMlurcx cost one-t- o summa- rizing the project. Typcally, a contractor does not charge for service. this Providing clientswith a preliminary cost study allows them to determine whetherthe project falls within their anticipated budget. This cost study should not be substituted for the actual estimate, however, because it does not include the details andresearch of a formal cost estimate. Normally a preliminary cost study includes: General conditions of the project. These are necessary to complete the project but they are not physical improvements. Examples are permits, soil testing, trash removal and job-sit- e clean up. Base cost of the structure or the cost of building the shell of the project. This includes concrete, framing, roofing, insulation, drywall, electric and plumbing. Allowances and finishes. Examples are plumbing and lighting fixtures, flooring, cabinets and and specialcounter tops, built-in- s ty trim and appliances. Exterior items. These are associated with the project but not part of the structure itself. Examples are the driveway, pool deck or landscaping. A contractor typically spends one to two hours reviewing the client's plans, conducting a cost analysis and reviewing cost comparisons to complete the preliminary cost study. Once the client accepts the preliminary cost study, the contractor can begin developing the formal cost estimate and the homeowner will pay a retainer. The contractor then can look at specifics, thoroughly research the project's anticipated costs and call in subcontractors for professional input andanalysis. Sometimes the contractor will have the subcontractors and clients meet, which allows clients to address any issues or concerns. In this way, the contractor can make sure everyone agrees on goals and details. Anyone considering a renovation or addition should think of the formal cost estimate as part of the overall cost of the project, a fee that usually averages about 1 percent of the project's cot. On larger jobs that cost six figures, the fee normally is lower. Usually the contractor awarded the project will apply the retainer to the actual project cost, deducting it from amount. the final-contra- ct n teleDigital vision is finally becoming a reality. After a long hard haul of over 10 years, wrote Tobey Grumet in an article in the curof rent issue Popular Mechanics, the first HDTV' sets are expected to appear in retail stores by the end of 1998 just about one year from now. Heralded as the most important revolution in broadcast TV since color. HDTV has been the focus of a bitter confrontation between the consumer electronics and computer industries, with different factions proposing their own HDTV broadcast standards. At the end of last year, the Federal Communications Commission finally decided on a standard for the new format and started the manufacturing ball rolling. Last April, net work television bioadcasters finally agreed to a timetable for digital broadcasting to begin. Digital TV is expected to bring a whole new experience to the American television viewers. Now. in addition to plain old channel surfing, you'll be able to surf the Web, play videogames, even connect your TV to your computer for busiall with a crystal clear, ness almost picture. A host of companies such as Sony, Philips, Thompson, Microsoft and Oracle are testing the average consumer with products such as WebTV set-to- p boxes, hoping to bridge the gap between analog and digital sets before the big transition begins. Even though digital transitional products are already gracing store shelves, over the next few years consumers may be faced with some confusion 3-- high-powere- d HERAL'D. Home IvfagMinc. -- ' ttgei corner tifoe regarding television. This is because television manufacturers are faced with a dilemma. They need to mak sure their analog sets continue to sell while simultaneously promoting the idea o 'a whole new age of high-tectelevision. some will Undoubtedly, to sets ar.d digital upgrade prices of equipment will hopefully fall. Both analog and digital signal are expected to be broadcast until at least 20(H). The first series of sets will be made with dual receivers, allowing the sets to accommodate both analog and digital signals and absolving you from being forced to buy a new television even if stations are broadcasting digitally. The first manufacturers to announce plans to bring digital TVs to retail by Christmas Zenith 1998 and are Mitsubishi. bread-and-butt- h Use care when decorating a living free their natural area Northwest Florida Daily. News Some folks prefer celebrating Christmas with a living tree, which can be replanted alter the holidays. The roots are kept in a "ball" of dirt, which can be wrapped in burlap or set into a biodegradable container or pot. To use a living Christmas tree successfully, follow these tips: The adaptability of the species should Ik- considered. Many species are shipped out - and side of may not be adaptable. Check with a reliable nursery or extension forester. The tree should In1 stored in an unheated, sheltered area, out of the wind and sun. Do not expose the tree to freezing temperatures at any time. The tree will need adequate water. The root ball or soil should be kept slightly damp but not flooded. Wrap the root ball in plastic or place in a tub while it is in the house. Live trees may be decorated, but with care. If lights are used, they must not give off any heat. Do not remove the tree directly from a warm house out into freezing temperatures. Instead, move to a sheltered area first for several days. Do not remove the burlap and strapping. This keeps the root ball solid and secure. In the case of a plastic cover, cut the cord and roll down the plastic at least half way prior to planting. ml I I S (, laMMct I - illid'Jui' 810 East 950 South, Provo 1800 West 820 North, Provo ' V II I I ' IK, I ' """" 'C From only $99,950 Pool Clubhouse as $87,700 As low t Low Down Payment Easy FHA Financing 5 Minutes to BYU 2 3 Bedroom Townhomes Private Fenced Backyards Models Open 2 til 6 Tues-S- Susan Cox John or Cleo 373-377- 7 358-348- 4 he). 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