Month: October 2024

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Installing Drywall – Your Basement Finishing Project

Hanging Drywall

Good work! You have framed the area you are finishing. The walls and ceiling have been packed with soundproofing, fire retardant, insulation, or some combination thereof. Electrical outlets, overhead lighting, surround sound speakers, etc., have been installed. Now, you are ready to hang the drywall. Hanging and finishing drywall is the topic of this post. As with earlier posts, I refer you to videos on YouTube to help you understand the basics of hanging and finishing drywall. This post will present thoughts and considerations you may not find in those videos. Probably the most important point to consider is that the fewer joints to mud and tape the better.

Key Discussion Points

    • Plan out your cuts (fewest joints to tape)
    • Which size sheets can you accommodate?
    • Finishing corners
    • Taping
    • Hanging sheets, vertical vs horizontal
    • Fixing damaged sheets (torn paper)
    • Benefits of Expansion Foam

Your first task is to determine the optimal drywall sheet size to purchase. Our basement is a walk-out with three access points and relatively high ceilings. If you have a captured basement with lower ceilings or tight stairwells you may be restricted on the sheet size you can use. Otherwise, you may have to cut your sheets before moving them into the basement. So, ceiling height and accessibility must be evaluated before a buying decision is made. Try to purchase the largest sheet size possible to minimize cuts, The determining factor will be the type of basement you are finishing.

When my husband was ready to install drywall, he was confident he could hang and finish the walls. He was uncomfortable with the ceilings, so he hired professionals to tackle that task. In effect, he did that job backward, walls first then ceiling. The recommended installation process is ceilings first. The outcome was fine. No problems were encountered following this sequence. As most of the construction area has nine-foot ceilings we used nine-foot sheets hung vertically. The remainder of the area had eight-foot ceilings so we could place 8-foot sheets horizontally.

Corners can be tricky. External corner joints can be managed using corner beads, but they can be challenging, depending on the connection. Internal corners may have gaps that need to be corrected. If Internal corner gaps are large, expansion foam can be the solution. The foam will fill the gap and provide a base to add the joint compound. My husband had to deal with both situations. For an amateur, he did well. However, he plans additional work on one external corner.

Exposing electrical outlets is your next task. From my experience, one achieves the best result by using a drywall router tool. This tool rides along the exterior of the outlet box as it cuts away the drywall. If you don’t have a drywall router tool, you can measure and mark the outlet box location on the drywall. You can cut before or after the drywall is hung. Of course, this method requires meticulous measurements to ensure the cut matches the outlet’s location. My husband found this method more challenging. It required additional time and effort to correct errors in the cut.

Many YouTube videos describe how to mud, tape, and finish your drywall. Again, I refer to those videos for a better understanding of this task. I want to emphasize our learning to ensure a smooth, attractive joint. The first consideration is the joint compound to use. My husband used a premix joint compound for our basement finishing project. If you ask him today, however, he will say he wished he had purchased a dry product to mix himself. His thinking is that the premix resulted in too much sanding and was more difficult to achieve a smooth finish. The other point he makes is to wet the tape before its application to the joint. Many videos he watched did not emphasize this point, possibly because they used a wetter mix. He quickly learned that wetting the drywall tape was mandatory when using the premix joint compound. Not doing so resulted in bubbles and separation of the tape from the drywall.

Summary and Conclusion

Begin your drywall installation with a plan. Know the square footage you intend to cover and your options for different sheet sizes. Determine if you have any constraints moving drywall sheets into your work area. That information may determine the size of the drywall sheet you must buy. Remember, you want to minimize the number of joints to finish. The joint compound you choose is an important consideration. Finishing internal and external corners can be improved using corner beads and expansion foam. Making the cutouts for electrical outlets is best done with a drywall router. That tool will give you a clean and accurate cut, and minimize any further work on outlets.

Jill Weber, Owner and President of Kitchen Connections, LLC

For more information about Kitchen Connections, LLC and what we can do for you, visit http://kitchenconnections.biz

770-650-0632

 

Thank you for visiting our blog.

 

Jim Weber – Managing Partner,  ITB Partners;

President, New Century Dynamics Executive Search

I hope you enjoyed our perspective and would like to receive regular posts directly in your email inbox. To this end, please put your contact information on my mailing list.

Your feedback helps me continue to publish articles that you want to read.  Your input is important to me, so please leave a comment.

Installing Drywall – Your Basement Finishing Project

Good work!  You have framed the area you are finishing. The walls and ceiling have been packed with soundproofing, fire retardant, insulation, or some combination thereof. Electrical outlets, overhead lighting, surround sound speakers, etc., have been installed. Now, you are ready to hang the drywall. Hanging and finishing drywall is the topic of this post.

https://wp.me/pa0WEz-33B

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So, You Want to Go Big Time? Systems, Processes, and Procedures in Place?

This post is the third installment for entrepreneurs considering putting their small business on a bigger stage.

Success or Failure

Scaling your business requires a platform to build upon.  That platform comprises your business operating systems, processes, and procedures.  Your foundation must be strong enough to support your growing business, flexible enough to accommodate current expansion plans, and functional enough to support further growth.  You must be confident that operating systems, processes, and procedures are in place and functional.

You cannot just flip a switch and start growing!

One can build a solid foundation for growth while outsourcing some functions.  Functions often outsourced include Real Estate, Construction, Human Resources, Legal, and Marketing.  For Example, Paychex offers a 45% discount on payroll administration, HR, and PEO savings.   Operations and Accounting should be insourced, depending on the situation.  The entrepreneur must determine and prioritize functions to be managed internally or outsourced.  Whether the function is insourced or outsourced, trusted advisors and employees must oversee the outsourced resources.

I am often called upon to serve on advisory boards and to conduct searches for companies engaged in rapid growth.  Advisory Boards can be fun and exciting.  You will enjoy interacting with friends and colleagues.  Participating on an Advisory Board is more about ‘giving back’ than monetary compensation.  However, a fine meal and good fellowship are the rewards for attending each meeting.

When executives need help building a team to scale their enterprises, they call me.  They have determined the company needs more expertise to manage rapid growth.  The search is frequently for senior-level Operations Executives, CFOs, or Marketing Executives.   In these assignments, I look for executives who have worked for major brands, followed by success working in a smaller, entrepreneurial company.  This combination of experience positions these candidates for success with my clients.  This type of search has become my specialty.

Recruiting CFOs ensures the accounting system can support a growth-oriented business.  The accounting function must process and document transactions from additional points of distribution.  This function is critical from my perspective.  Too many companies failed because they needed to have appropriate accounting controls.  Poor controls led to the mismanagement of costs and expenses.  You must be confident that your accounting system fully aligns with your objectives.  If not, you need to rethink your plans.

Expanding your business requires hiring personnel to generate more revenue.   Expansion in the service and manufacturing sectors means opening more plants or retail outlets.  Expansion requires accelerated recruiting, selection, and training.  These are separate processes that require different skills.  Recruiting is about attracting interest.  Recruiting is a selling function.  Selection is about identifying the best applicants to hire.  Selection is a buying function.  Training is about teaching new hires to perform their jobs effectively.  Continuing developmental training provides new skills to ensure employees maintain their competitive advantage.

Key Components – Systems, Processes, and Procedures

    • Accounting Systems and Controls
    • HR – Employee Policies and Procedures
    • Culture-Values and Mission
    • Operating Systems

As the leader, the successful entrepreneur must create and maintain a culture that consistently delivers value to the customer.  A viable culture must have a value system and a code of conduct to guide employee behavior.  Corporate values should be documented and faithfully executed!  Maintaining the integrity of the culture during rapid growth is critical.  Employers must choose new hires based on compatibility with the company value system.  The Chief Executive must reinforce the Company Culture.  If the CEO is not confident that the culture and values are strong and healthy, growth may not be appropriate.  Management must address their culture before they consider significant growth.

Integrated computer software is the heart of contemporary operating systems.  These systems support the requirements for accounting and control for cash and credit, inventory management, employee payroll, and management reporting.  Documenting company policies and procedures and creating an employee handbook are integral components.  Safety and Security policies and procedures are also critical operational systems.  Business owners contemplating rapid growth must have complete confidence in their operating system.

Growing your business requires moving into new trade areas.  Your supply chain and logistics system must be capable of expanding service into new markets.  I witnessed one company selling franchises in markets beyond their distribution capabilities.  That created an undue burden on the new Franchisee until the Franchisor could serve that market.  It was an operations problem for the new Franchisee and an embarrassment for the Franchisor.  This logistics disconnect is not viable for successful expansion.  Regrettably, I have seen this mistake continually repeated over time.  Most small, local companies use third-party wholesale distributors, making the logistics challenge easier.  Even so, planning and coordination is required.

Summary and Conclusion

Every structure requires a foundation for support.  A large structure needs a strong foundation.  Organizations are the same, especially ones anticipating rapid growth.  The foundation of a business is its systems, processes, procedures, and culture.  When planning for rapid growth, the CEO must evaluate the integrity of the business foundation.  The CEO may proceed confidently.

Thank you for visiting our blog.

 

Jim Weber – Managing Partner,  ITB Partners

I hope you enjoyed our perspective and would like to receive regular posts directly in your email inbox. To this end, please put your contact information on my mailing list.

Your feedback helps me continue to publish articles that you want to read.  Your input is very important to me, so please leave a comment.

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Introverted Leadership: Mastering the Art of Quiet Influence

Elevate your leadership and transform your organization with New Century Dynamics Executive Search. Start your executive search today!

Introverted Leadership: Mastering the Art of Quiet Influence

Photo by Freepik

In the vibrant tapestry of leadership, introverts often shine with a distinct, understated brilliance. Traditionally overshadowed by their extroverted counterparts, introverts possess unique qualities that can transform the very essence of leadership. This article from New Century Dynamics Executive Search explores how introverts can embrace their natural inclinations and step into leadership roles authentically to redefine what it means to lead and inspire in today’s dynamic world.

Know Thyself to Lead Others

Understanding who you are is your first step toward leadership excellence. Reflect on your internal strengths and areas for improvement, pinpointing how these can influence your leadership style. Recognize the value of your quiet contemplation and thoughtfulness, which can be your greatest assets. As you become more attuned to your own tendencies, you’ll find it easier to navigate complex interpersonal dynamics and make informed decisions, laying a strong foundation for your growth as a leader.

Embrace Lifelong Learning

The business landscape is perpetually changing, and staying updated with the latest trends and skills is crucial. Maven suggests committing yourself to lifelong learning by enrolling in workshops, seminars, and courses that enhance your expertise. These continuous learning opportunities keep you relevant and enrich your understanding of diverse business scenarios, which is invaluable for a leader.

Build Strong Communication Skills

Effective communication is essential, especially for introverted leaders who may prefer fewer but more meaningful words. Develop your skills in active listening and clear, concise communication. These practices ensure that you articulate your vision effectively and understand your team’s feedback, which is critical for fostering an environment of trust and cooperation.

Empower Yourself Through Entrepreneurship

Initiating a side business can significantly enhance leadership skills and increase self-assurance. A well-crafted business plan and a strategic marketing initiative are crucial for laying a solid foundation and reaching potential customers. Raising sufficient capital is essential to cover startup costs and maintain business operations. Registering as a limited liability company offers benefits like asset protection and tax advantages, and you can start an LLC in with zenbusiness.com to take advantage of these perks.

Lead with Empathy

Introverts naturally excel at introspection and understanding, qualities that translate into empathetic leadership. You create a supportive atmosphere that encourages innovation and collaboration by genuinely engaging with your team and acknowledging their viewpoints. Their keen listening skills allow them to gather diverse ideas and feedback, which can be pivotal in developing well-rounded and inclusive strategies. This empathetic approach not only helps in resolving conflicts but also strengthens team loyalty and morale.

Network on Your Terms

Traditional networking can be overwhelming for introverts, but adopting strategies like one-on-one meetings or small group interactions can be more comfortable and effective. These approaches allow for deeper, more meaningful connections without the pressure of large crowds. By focusing on quality over quantity, introverts can build stronger professional relationships that feel authentic. Additionally, preparing conversation topics in advance can ease anxiety and help introverts feel more confident during interactions.

Delegation Is The Introvert’s Secret Weapon

Delegation is not just about offloading tasks but empowering your team. By assigning responsibilities according to each member’s strengths, you free yourself to focus on key leadership duties and enhance the team’s efficiency and morale. This strategy allows you to manage more effectively, playing to your strengths as an introvert and demonstrating trust in your team’s capabilities.

As an introvert, you have unique qualities that can make you a formidable leader. By confidently embracing your inherent traits and strategically developing essential skills, you can lead your team to success while staying true to yourself. Remember, leadership isn’t just about being at the forefront; it’s about guiding, empowering, and inspiring others to achieve collective goals. Embrace your journey, and watch as your quiet influence speaks volumes.

Thank you for visiting our blog.

 

Jim Weber, Managing Partner – ITB Partners

Jim Weber – Managing Partner,  ITB Partners

I hope you enjoyed our perspective and would like to receive regular posts directly in your email inbox. To this end, please put your contact information on my mailing list.

Your feedback helps me continue to publish articles that you want to read.  Your input is very important to me, so please leave a comment.

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Framing Your Basement Finishing Project

View from Basement Great Room toward Stairway and Kitchenette
Kitchen Connections, LLC
JDW@kitchenConnections.biz
(678) 410-0483

You have finished planning your project, and financing is in place.  You have completed some of the preliminary work, and you are now ready to begin the actual work of framing your new living space.  Regarding your stud walls, I refer you to YouTube, which has many demonstration videos for your review.  There is no need to cover that material in this post.  Instead, I will focus on essential but lesser-discussed issues for your consideration.  Remember to ensure your new walls are plumb, square, and level.

Remember, the walls you are building will be the support system for drywall, maybe shelving systems, televisions, etc.  That means your walls must be solid enough to accommodate the loads they will carry.  To illustrate this point, the closet we built for the bedroom space addresses this issue.  We added horizontal cross members at the appropriate height to ensure the strength and stability of the closet clothes hanger-shelving system.   We did the same for the wall planned to accommodate the big-screen HD Television.

Installing Drywall

The first significant framing activity we tackled was to lower the ceiling for about 30% of the space.  We lowered the ceiling because the HVAC ducts and major drain lines ran through this area.  To cover these utilities, we dropped the ceiling by 12 inches.  As the overall height from the basement floor to the first-floor joists is over nine feet, dropping the ceiling 12 inches in a small area was not an aesthetic issue.  The area where we lowered the ceiling is at the landing for the stairway, the transition space to the Great room, and the kitchenette.  Even so, we maintained a nine-foot transition height at the very foot of the stairway.  It created an exciting architectural feature.

We installed drywall ceilings throughout the Terrance Level.  To accommodate a drywall ceiling in the space above, we attached 2X4 ladders to the first-floor joists overhead.  This task was time-consuming and physically challenging, but it was worth it.  Before putting up drywall, we photographed all walls and ceiling areas for future reference if issues arise or we want further modifications.  This documentation is a valuable activity.

Framing Considerations

    • Ceilings and soffits,
    • Square, plumb, level
    • Think about hanging the drywall, Shelving, Televisions
    • Take pictures to document hidden utilities for future reference
    • When two doorways enter a room
    • Soundproofing, insulation, etc.
    • Anchoring your walls
    • Is the floor level

Even with a good plan guiding your work, you will encounter problems.  One issue we found was the doorways into the bathroom.  One doorway enters the bathroom from the bedroom, the other from the main living area.  The two doorways are too close.  They are so close that the trim on the bedroom entry had to be modified where the two doorways meet.  It isn’t an awful situation, as most people would not notice the issue.  My Husband believes it is not aesthetically pleasing.  We should have moved the doorway from the main area six Inches to the left.  I expect he will correct the issue by moving that door.  We have ample space to make that correction.

You must ensure that the basement floor is level.  If areas need to be leveled, you must do so when appropriate.  Even if the floor is reasonably level, you should still take floor-to-ceiling measurements to ensure that each wall segment is a snug fit.  Leveling the basement foundation floor will be a significant consideration when installing the finished floor system.

When your stud walls are up, square, plumb, and level, you must anchor them to the basement foundation floor.  My Husband rented a nail gun from Home Depot to complete this task.  This gun uses a .22-caliber blank cartridge to drive a concrete nail through the base of the wall into the concrete floor.  This is an effective way to anchor your walls.  Home Depot sells the nails and cartridges.   YouTube has videos available to help people understand the proper use of nail guns, including safety features.  Remember to use ear protection as the discharge is rather loud.

My final point for your consideration is soundproofing insulation and fire retardant.  Depending on your geographical location, basement insulation may be an essential consideration.  Many recent new builds include insulation and vapor barriers on basement walls.  If your basement walls don’t have insulation or a vapor barrier, you should consider that seriously.  You should consider insulation, fire retardant, and soundproofing for your stud walls.  We packed Rockwool in our stud walls and overhead in the space between the exposed first-floor joists.  Although Rockwool is not the most effective insulation or soundproofing solution, the fire retardant benefit was determinative.

Summary and Conclusion

When you are ready to begin framing your basement’s walls and ceiling, begin by viewing YouTube videos on this subject.  The key is to make your walls square, plumb, and level.  Add strength to areas supporting wall-mounted shelving, televisions, cabinets, etc.  Anchor your stud walls to the basement floor using concrete nails.  If your basement floor needs to be level, correct the problem as appropriate.  Understand that problems will arise.  Anticipate issues to address.  Make a photographic history to document your project.

Jill Weber, Owner and President of Kitchen Connections, LLC

For more information about Kitchen Connections, LLC and what we can do for you, visit http://kitchenconnections.biz

770-650-0632

 

Thank you for visiting our blog.

 

Jim Weber, Managing Partner – ITB Partners

Jim Weber – Managing Partner,  ITB Partners

I hope you enjoyed our perspective and would like to receive regular posts directly in your email inbox. To this end, please put your contact information on my mailing list.

Your feedback helps me continue to publish articles that you want to read.  Your input is very important to me, so please leave a comment.

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Improve Your Profitability – Savings Today!

Improve Your Profitability and Get More Savings TODAY!

ITB Partners clients are successful business owners-operators. Their aspirations are admirable. We work for you to give you the saving resources today.

Our objective is to help today with Cost-Saving programs. Get ready now to reduce your expenses without compromise!

 

Current actual savings results:

    • Paychex offers a 45% discount on payroll administration, HR, and PEO savings.  Current REAL savings with a 20-unit franchisee client on their retirement plan administration, etc.
    • Champions “Life & Health” SAVINGS offer (for Business owners): Save $537 PER EMPLOYEE per year and increase the team member’s take-home pay and benefits.
    • Utilities cost savings on Natural gas and electricity (in deregulated states) have been proven to save 10-20%. These savings are also available to share with Team members/employees.
    • Connectivity SAVINGS on Cellular, Satellite, Cable, Internet, Satellite, Burglar Alarm Monitoring, and Health Sharing Plans. Proven savings of 40-50% of current plan) and more!  

Steven Seibert:  founder@usfsba.org

404-239-2233; Old Roswell Rd.  Suite 348;  Roswell, GA  30076

 

ITB Partners is a Consortium of independent management consultants providing high-value-added solutions to your problems. We want to hear from you. Would you like to receive quarterly business savings costs? Let us know! We have more.

Jim.Weber@itbpartners.com | 770-354-2817

New Century Dynamics Inc. || Johns Creek, GA 30022 US