<![CDATA[ - Blog]]>Sun, 20 May 2012 15:12:12 -0800Weebly<![CDATA[Careful Consideration]]>Thu, 25 Aug 2011 01:31:22 -0800http://designsmart.ca/2/post/2011/08/careful-consideration.htmlAfter sitting in a training course for the second time on how to defuse volitile situations, I have been thinking more about how people process information.  You have people that are methodical in their analysis of information and people that are reactionary.  It is interesting to see how many people think that by avoiding confrontation that they are being walked over.  Nobody likes to be taken advantage of.  Do you? 


When reality is based on the viewers perception it's no wonder we have so many problems.  Escalation happens very quickly as people try to protect their honour.  That guy that cut you off...may not have seen you, despite his best efforts to look.  That person that waited too long at the green light might be taking time to put down their coffee.  While some may just be self centred egotists.  Firstly you need to consider, this may not have been intentional, secondly if no harm was done should this really ruin your day,  you're not likey to affect the chances of others repeating these actions.  What is the cost to you for reacting?


Always know before acting. It is a simple principle to follow.  It applies to every aspect of life.  So why wouldn't you consider accessibility in your home.  Simply by aging, our mobility is restricted.  Things as unnoticable as floor type changes, could be a hazard to an aging person, but is also something that is easily and relatively inexpensive to change.  This can be considered under expected home maintainance.  That 26" door however in that century home could completely deny you access to the bathroom and be impossible to change based on the homes layout.


If you let emotion or react to loving that home with out  weighing the information.  Maybe a family member is already in a wheel chair.  You probably wouldn't purchase the house without a home inspection, just consider there may be more factors.  If you buy using emotion not thought, you may have no choice but to relocate in the future, and after 25 years... that might be hard to do.

]]><![CDATA[How do you spend your money?]]>Thu, 11 Aug 2011 15:42:20 -0800http://designsmart.ca/2/post/2011/08/how-do-you-spend-your-money.htmlWith careful consideration?
Careful consideration in every aspect could save money over time and increase capital value of ones investments.  Value should be at the forefront of every investment.

Cost is often mistaken for value.  If I'm buying a power tool I give consideration to how well it works, quality of construction, it's power (or torque), and durability.  I want to know this is the best tool for my job and will take everything I might throw at it (or distance it might drop).  However if I'm buying a paint brush the better value is often in the cheaper brush as I can buy several for a lot less.  Factoring in cleanup and that bristles wear down.  Not only do I save money and time, each time I start a new job I have a crisp clean brush that cuts in nice sharp corners. 


Though this is not a hard and fast rule it shows how many factors can be weighed in a decision.

The same logic applies when purchasing a home.  What is the best value for your needs?  When buying a home there are innumerable factors that rely solely on the individuals purchasing a home.

Almost unilaterally people look at near future needs when buying a home.  People have a hard time looking at worst case scenarios.  Many people every year find themselves in circumstances they had not planned for.

Though one can not plan for the unknown, many things can easily be considered when buying a home to ensure the best value, those things you will not need to change, or can change at  a low cost.  Single level home, wide doorways and built close to the ground to name a few. 

These considerations will save money or may allow you to stay in a home you've grown to love.  Those long term considerations should take place even for short term purchases, as you may grow to love this place.

Choose carefully now and you could save money later.
]]><![CDATA[First Post]]>Wed, 10 Aug 2011 02:07:48 -0800http://designsmart.ca/2/post/2011/08/first-post1.htmlHere we go, my first blog. My "Hello World" if you will.  After some review I see the need for a company that will do their best to give you as much knowledge as possible.  Whether you're an individual looking for a bathroom modification, a ramp, a place you can retire in, or a company trying to figure out where you stand with the new Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act we can help you.  My philosophy is that no one knows your situation as well as you, and we can provide you with the details for you to make educated decisions.

In the face of an aging population and unstable economy the need to think smarter, act quicker and conserve ones resources is becoming more of a reality.  An uncertain future of health and resources prove to be a good motivator to encourage smart thinking. As the need arises for people to be more careful in their planning so as to maximize their resources so does the requirement for people to educate themselves.  Money is always the prime limiter to design and change.  You can do anything with enough money and time.  Most lack the luxury of throwing money at a problem until the best result is reached.
By designing smart, we can stay in our own home longer, open our businesses by removing barriers and avoid establishing barriers in the first place.  Barrier free is a misnomer, we can always increase accessibility.
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