Tuesday, December 14, 2010

Home-renovation Scams - Strathclyde Associates Trading

Strathclyde Associates Trading and Management Construction Company: Renovations are stressful, but if you rush through important details you could fall prey to one of these scams.

Scam artists are nothing new, but there are plenty of reasons to predict that even more of them will be around, due to tough economic times. While they tend to prey on the elderly, anyone who is not cautious and informed is a potential victim. Your best defense is a skeptical mind and knowing what to look out for when you hear about an offer that's "too good to refuse." Here are some of the most popular, and costly, home-improvement scams.
Home-renovation Scams - Strathclyde Associates Trading: One-time special
It's a rare business that's had only one sale in its entire history. The reality is that most businesses hold sales throughout the year, and that's not likely to change any time soon. If a contractor approaches you with a special offer, ask for concrete evidence that the quoted price is lower than what they have charged in the past for the same work. This could include a past catalog, special mailing, dated price list or evidence of identical work for a past customer.
Don't be pressured into accepting a deal that will expire before you've had a chance to do research, get competing bids and check references.
Home-renovation Scams - Strathclyde Associates Trading: I might as well
Be wary of the contractor who knocks on your door and says he's working just down the street. He tells you that he noticed a few things that need some work on your house and that you could save money by hiring him on the spot. Coincidentally, he just happens to have all the materials and tools to start right away.
This approach is often used to entice you into doing things that are visible from the outside, like roof repair, painting, window caulking, deck restoration, driveway coating and chimney repair. If the contractor claims to have all the materials, ask him where they came from and who paid for them. If they are left over from an earlier job, there's some chance that the previous homeowner footed the bill.
Cash before work
Nothing should set off more alarm bells than the contractor who wants to be paid in full for a project before it's started. This arrangement sets you up for a disappearing contractor who never starts the work.
A reasonable down payment is expected, to cover startup labor costs and materials. Normally, this should not exceed one-third of the total contract value; it's wise to make it as small as possible. The balance of the money can be tied to completion milestones to keep the contractor motivated to stay on schedule. Hold a sizable portion of the money until the project is finished, and make final payment dependent on your personal inspection and satisfaction.
Financing offers
Another warning flag is the offer to arrange financing to pay for your renovation, sometimes from a lender that the contractor knows personally. The offer may include a special interest rate for a limited time only. What won't be disclosed is that the contractor may be getting kickbacks or other favors from the lender.
If you don't review the loan papers carefully, you may later find out that you've signed up for a refinancing or high-interest home-equity loan, or unknowingly transferred your deed. If the money goes to the contractor, there's no incentive to complete the work. Always shop around for the best loan available, and consult an attorney if you need help understanding the terms and conditions.
Fly-by-night contractor
Be extremely wary if a contractor pulls into your driveway in an unmarked truck. If you talk to him, do it outside in public view. Anyone who enters your home is a potential burglar, or worse. If the truck has out-of-state plates, don't even waste your time.
For all contractors, you should apply due diligence. Verify name, business name and license number, address and telephone number. Ask for insurance papers, and verify that they are bonded in accordance with applicable laws.
Model home
Beware of the contractor who wants to fix up your home so he can show it off to other potential customers. You will likely be tempted by a deal that seems too good to pass up. But chances are pretty good that some or all of the work he's recommending doesn't really need to be done. Reputable contractors don't need models to showcase their work, and if they needed one, they wouldn't use an occupied home for that purpose.

Home-renovation Scams - Strathclyde Associates Trading: The bottom line
Use resources such as the Better Business Bureau, the Department of Consumer Protection and the local licensing board to check the contractor's business reputation and credentials. A history of consumer complaints, lawsuits and expired licenses are reasons to keep looking for a reliable contractor.
Common sense and good judgment offer the best protection from home-renovation scams. If it seems too good to be true, it probably is. It's always wise to get multiple estimates before starting any project. If there are wide differences in the quotes, try to figure out why. Most importantly, don't sign any contract that you don't understand completely.

Strathclyde Associates Trading and Management Construction Company is passionate in the belief that from adversity comes opportunity. We believe that sustainable competitive advantage is always predicated upon the focused execution of a few core strengths or priniciples that are indemic to each particular company.

Home-renovation Scams - Strathclyde Associates Trading

Strathclyde Associates Trading and Management Construction Company: Renovations are stressful, but if you rush through important details you could fall prey to one of these scams.

Scam artists are nothing new, but there are plenty of reasons to predict that even more of them will be around, due to tough economic times. While they tend to prey on the elderly, anyone who is not cautious and informed is a potential victim. Your best defense is a skeptical mind and knowing what to look out for when you hear about an offer that's "too good to refuse." Here are some of the most popular, and costly, home-improvement scams.
Home-renovation Scams - Strathclyde Associates Trading: One-time special
It's a rare business that's had only one sale in its entire history. The reality is that most businesses hold sales throughout the year, and that's not likely to change any time soon. If a contractor approaches you with a special offer, ask for concrete evidence that the quoted price is lower than what they have charged in the past for the same work. This could include a past catalog, special mailing, dated price list or evidence of identical work for a past customer.
Don't be pressured into accepting a deal that will expire before you've had a chance to do research, get competing bids and check references.
Home-renovation Scams - Strathclyde Associates Trading: I might as well
Be wary of the contractor who knocks on your door and says he's working just down the street. He tells you that he noticed a few things that need some work on your house and that you could save money by hiring him on the spot. Coincidentally, he just happens to have all the materials and tools to start right away.
This approach is often used to entice you into doing things that are visible from the outside, like roof repair, painting, window caulking, deck restoration, driveway coating and chimney repair. If the contractor claims to have all the materials, ask him where they came from and who paid for them. If they are left over from an earlier job, there's some chance that the previous homeowner footed the bill.
Cash before work
Nothing should set off more alarm bells than the contractor who wants to be paid in full for a project before it's started. This arrangement sets you up for a disappearing contractor who never starts the work.
A reasonable down payment is expected, to cover startup labor costs and materials. Normally, this should not exceed one-third of the total contract value; it's wise to make it as small as possible. The balance of the money can be tied to completion milestones to keep the contractor motivated to stay on schedule. Hold a sizable portion of the money until the project is finished, and make final payment dependent on your personal inspection and satisfaction.
Financing offers
Another warning flag is the offer to arrange financing to pay for your renovation, sometimes from a lender that the contractor knows personally. The offer may include a special interest rate for a limited time only. What won't be disclosed is that the contractor may be getting kickbacks or other favors from the lender.
If you don't review the loan papers carefully, you may later find out that you've signed up for a refinancing or high-interest home-equity loan, or unknowingly transferred your deed. If the money goes to the contractor, there's no incentive to complete the work. Always shop around for the best loan available, and consult an attorney if you need help understanding the terms and conditions.
Fly-by-night contractor
Be extremely wary if a contractor pulls into your driveway in an unmarked truck. If you talk to him, do it outside in public view. Anyone who enters your home is a potential burglar, or worse. If the truck has out-of-state plates, don't even waste your time.
For all contractors, you should apply due diligence. Verify name, business name and license number, address and telephone number. Ask for insurance papers, and verify that they are bonded in accordance with applicable laws.
Model home
Beware of the contractor who wants to fix up your home so he can show it off to other potential customers. You will likely be tempted by a deal that seems too good to pass up. But chances are pretty good that some or all of the work he's recommending doesn't really need to be done. Reputable contractors don't need models to showcase their work, and if they needed one, they wouldn't use an occupied home for that purpose.

Home-renovation Scams - Strathclyde Associates Trading: The bottom line
Use resources such as the Better Business Bureau, the Department of Consumer Protection and the local licensing board to check the contractor's business reputation and credentials. A history of consumer complaints, lawsuits and expired licenses are reasons to keep looking for a reliable contractor.
Common sense and good judgment offer the best protection from home-renovation scams. If it seems too good to be true, it probably is. It's always wise to get multiple estimates before starting any project. If there are wide differences in the quotes, try to figure out why. Most importantly, don't sign any contract that you don't understand completely.

Strathclyde Associates Trading and Management Construction Company is passionate in the belief that from adversity comes opportunity. We believe that sustainable competitive advantage is always predicated upon the focused execution of a few core strengths or priniciples that are indemic to each particular company.

Strathclyde Associates Trading and Construction Company - SERVICES

SERVICES
STRATHCLYDE ASSOCIATES TRADING
& MANAGEMENT CONSTRUCTION COMPANY

The services we provide to our customers are supply of high end construction management personnel with relevant language skills i.e. Thai, Korean and Malay.

Some examples of personnel we supply are:

* CAD Drafter
* Construction Estimator
* Field Safety Professional
* Inspector
* Certified Welding Inspector (CWI)
* Construction Roadway Inspector
* Construction Inspector
* HVAC Field Supervisor
* Project Manager/Superintendents (USACE)
* Construction Quality Control - USACE CQM
* Senior Project Engineer
* Glass Construction Manager - VP Level
* Mechanical Construction Project Engineer
* Waste Water Treatment Project Manager
* Construction Materials Tester
* Sr. Mechanical Designer

Provides consulting services in the following areas:

MANAGEMENT & OPERATIONS CONSULTING

* Organizational Structure Review
* Competitive Strength Determination
* Individual Performance
o Setting the Right Goals
o Determining Proper Metrics
o Avoiding Unintended Consequences

CONSTRUCTION CONSULTING

* Program Management
* Construction Management
o Project Management
o Cost Management
o Time Management
o Quality Management
o Contract Administration
o Safety Management
* Construction Claims Support
o Construction Defect Investigations
o Water and Mold Investigations
o Insurance Claims
o Construction Accidents
o Expert Witness Testimony
o Construction Monitoring and Inspections
o Plan Review (Constructability and Risk)
o ADA Compliance (Existing and New)
o Material Selection Review

CLAIMS MITIGATION CONSULTING

* Review & Analysis of Drawings & Specifications
* Review & Analysis of Construction & Delivery Schedules
* Early Stage RFI process Review
* Pre-Construction Stakeholder Sessions
* Conflict Resolution Procedure Review & Establishment
* Change Order Procedure Review & Establishment

Services: Strathclyde Associates Trading and Management Company

The services we provide to our customers are supply of high end construction management personnel with relevant language skills i.e. Thai, Korean and Malay.

Some examples of personnel we supply are: CAD Drafter , Construction Estimator, Field Safety Professional, Inspector , Certified Welding Inspector (CWI), Construction Roadway Inspector , Construction Inspector, HVAC Field Supervisor, Project Manager/Superintendents (USACE), Construction Quality Control - USACE CQM, Senior Project Engineer, Glass Construction Manager - VP Level, Mechanical Construction Project Engineer, Waste Water Treatment Project Manager, Construction Materials Tester, Sr. Mechanical Designer, Provides consulting services in the following areas:

MANAGEMENT & OPERATIONS CONSULTING: Organizational Structure Review, Competitive Strength Determination, Individual Performance, Setting the Right Goals, Determining Proper Metrics, Avoiding Unintended Consequences

CONSTRUCTION CONSULTING: Program Management, Construction Management, Project Management, Cost Management, Time Management , Quality Management, Contract Administration, Safety Management, Construction Claims Support, Construction Defect Investigations, Water and Mold Investigations, Insurance Claims, Construction Accidents, Expert Witness Testimony , Construction Monitoring and Inspections, Plan Review (Constructability and Risk), ADA Compliance (Existing and New) , Material Selection Review

CLAIMS MITIGATION CONSULTING: Review & Analysis of Drawings & Specifications, Review & Analysis of Construction & Delivery Schedules, Early Stage RFI process Review, Pre-Construction Stakeholder Sessions, Conflict Resolution Procedure Review & Establishment , Change Order Procedure Review & Establishment

We are very involved in clean room IT factories in Thailand and particularly the new Songdo International City near Seoul in Korea.

Strathclyde Associates Trading and Management Construction Company is passionate in the belief that from adversity comes opportunity. We believe that sustainable competitive advantage is always predicated upon the focused execution of a few core strengths or priniciples that are indemic to each particular company.

Challenging economic times provide the opportunity for companies to take the steps necessary to becoming more successful, to get leaner and more focused. Those actions taken today to make a company more successful also provide the needed framework for eventual transition of the business.

We help companies find those core strengths and take those steps now.

As mentioned our two main areas of expertise are construction materials and management personnel. In both these fields, there is some bad reputations in the area of fraud and fraudulant transactions. There are many scams and in the field of personnel, many scammers. We are proud of our reputation of checking and verifying all our products and personnel. Fraudulent financial transactions are the norm. Our checking procedures are second to none.

The company was established in early 2005 to serve the booming international construction industry. We work with associate companies worldwide.

Soon after its establishment, Strathclyde Associates Trading and Management Construction Company made a number of associations mainly in the Pacific and Southeast Asia regions. These business partnerships added extra strength to Strathclyde Associates Trading and Management Construction Company. We are proud to be associated with projects in countries including Thailand, Indonesia, Singapore and Seoul, S Korea.

Strathclyde Associates Trading and Management Construction Company

Strathclyde Associates Trading and Management Construction Company
We have recently purchased and shipped a large quantity of cement type HE: High Early Strength from Indonesia for one of our projects in Seoul, South Korea.

(I-Newswire) , July 21, 2010 - We have recently purchased and shipped a large quantity of cement type HE: High Early Strength from Indonesia for one of our projects in Seoul, South Korea. Though we did extensive quality control testing on arrival in Seoul, we found substantial defects in the quality of the cement.
Though we do not wish to name the manufacturer, please be extra careful in your quality control testing.
This was obviously blatant fraud and a scam. This sort of scamming is endemic and please be careful out there.
“As mentioned our two main areas of expertise are construction materials and management personnel. In both these fields, there is some bad reputations in the area of fraud and fraudulent transactions. There are many scams and in the field of personnel, many scammers. We are proud of our reputation of checking and verifying all our products and personnel. Fraudulent financial transactions is the norm. Our checking procedures are second to none.”
For over 5 years, Strathclyde Associates Trading and Management Construction Company's professionals have been a leading Service Providers to the construction industry. Bringing together a wealth of Business, Legal, Financial, and Specialized Industry experience, Consolidated Construction Services helps industry professionals continue to thrive in an increasingly competitive and challenging business environment.
We are very involved in clean room IT factories in Thailand and particularly the new Songdo International City near Seoul in Korea.
Strathclyde Associates Trading and Management Construction Company is passionate in the belief that from adversity comes opportunity. We believe that sustainable competitive advantage is always predicated upon the focused execution of a few core strengths or priniciples that are indemic to each particular company.

Challenging economic times provide the opportunity for companies to take the steps necessary to becoming more successful, to get leaner and more focused. Those actions taken today to make a company more successful, also provide the needed framework for eventual transition of the business.

We help companies find those core strengths and take those steps now.
Soon after its establishment, Strathclyde Associates Trading and Management Construction Company made a number of associations mainly in the Pacific and Southeast Asia regions. These business partnerships added extra strength to Strathclyde Associates Trading and Management Construction Company. We are proud to be associated with projects in countries including Thailand, Indonesia, Singapore and Seoul, S Korea.

About Strathclyde Asoociates Trading & Management Construction Company:
Strathclyde Associates Trading and Management Construction Company is passionate in the belief that from adversity comes opportunity. We believe that sustainable competitive advantage is always predicated upon the focused execution of a few core strengths or priniciples that are indemic to each particular company.

Company Contact Information
Strathclyde Asoociates Trading & Management Construction Company
Kevin Gilles
P.O. Box 17078 Baltimore, Maryland
21297
Phone : 410-684-2728

WELCOME TO STRATHCLYDE ASSOCIATES TRADING & MANAGEMENT CONSTRUCTION COMPANY

WELCOME TO STRATHCLYDE ASSOCIATES TRADING
& MANAGEMENT CONSTRUCTION COMPANY

The company was established in early 2005 to serve the booming international construction industry. We work with associate companies worldwide.

Soon after its establishment, Strathclyde Associates Trading and Management Construction Company made a number of associations mainly in the Pacific and Southeast Asia regions. These business partnerships added extra strength to STRATHCLYDE ASSOCIATES TRADING & MANAGEMENT. We are proud to be associated with projects in countries including Thailand, Indonesia, Singapore and Korea.

Our main base of operations is at Glasgow, Charleston, West Virginia, USA.

We have two main areas of expertise, international trading and shipments of construction products from cement to structural steel to panzer glass office windows and many more.

We also supply particularly to Shanghai China, Bangkok Thailand, and Seoul Korea a wide range of highly skilled personnel from structural engineers to quantity surveyors.

The extensive building code and best practices knowledge that the construction defect litigation group provides is a significant advantage to our clients, allowing us to draw upon the years of experience in building projects and construction quality assurance of their GCs, Architects, and Engineers on every project."

Kevin Gilles, CEO

Tuesday, October 5, 2010

Renewable Green Fuels Portfolio Management By Strathclyde Associates Korea

“Clean energy has a dirty secret. It isn’t cheap” from USA today. Wisely, they have gone on to modify their doom-laden statement by writing that renewable, green energy is widely supported to fight global warming... And that high fossil fuel prices and a cap on power plant emissions could make clean energy competitive with – or even cheaper than - conventional energy.

As a result of healthy government subsidies and mandates, the bio fuel industry is expanding at a rapid pace. Already it is a multi-billion dollar enterprise. Clean, green, renewable fuels appear a more attractive proposition than ever before. We believe that the time is now right to take a position in this market segment which now represents a multi-billion-dollar opportunity, not only for stakeholders but also for investors looking at, much better than, reasonable growth.

This remark was prompted by the highest spate of insider selling in more than a year. Conventional wisdom says it’s time to sell when corporate leaders start cashing in on gains because it signals a lack of confidence with the corporate outlook. However, many factors can muddy the bigger picture when trying to draw a conclusion from insider selling.

Executives have sold personal holdings for other reasons over the past year, analysts say, including cash-flow problems following the wipe-out in equities, tighter credit controls and a desire for greater diversification. A percentage of selling volume is made up of options on the company’s stock which are generally solve because they are about to expire. After the shock of seeing large chunks of their wealth destroyed during the crisis, corporate insider are more likely to be selling some holdings in their own companies and diversifying more into other stocks.

Concern over the depreciating value of the US dollar and the global economic crisis is prompting calls for policymakers to consider creating and using a “supranational currency”, such as special drawing rights (SDR’s), as their new global reserve currency.

The SDR is an international reserve asset allocated by the International Monetary Fund (IMF) to member countries. While expressed in US dollars, its currency value is based on market exchange rates of a basket of four major currencies – the Euro, UK pound sterling, Japanese yen and the US dollar – making it less prone to volatility. SDR’s can be exchanged for freely usable currencies which is why more and more countries are including them in their reserve currency mix.

High profile leaders like Zhou Xiaochuan, Governor of the People’s Bank of China, and the Russian President, Dmitry Medvedev, have also added their voices to the need for the replacement of the globally dominant US dollar. Sterling chair Professor of Economics, M.S.G. Bautista, estimates that whilst US dollars currently account for 62% of all reserves in the world, the euro and the UK pound continue to grow appreciably.