(BPT) – Thousands of Americans who are in the process of building their own home, or simply looking into it, are faced with hundreds of different questions. Granite or quartz countertops? Neutral or bold colors? Tile or hardwood flooring? And those questions are just the tip of the iceberg.

Being able to make these detailed choices is a big part of why you decided to build and design a custom home that will show off your unique style.

But as any professional builder will tell you, the secret to building a truly great house isn’t what fixtures you choose or the type of crown molding you install. Rather, the most important components of a house are hidden behind the build.

The following five points represent some of the most important hidden aspects of any new home construction that will ensure your house retains its beauty for decades.

1. Proper insulation. No matter where you are in the country, it’s likely that the temperature outside will get too hot or too cold. In such situations you’ll rely on heating or air conditioning. Good insulation not only saves money, but keeps your furnace and AC units working longer and more effectively. In cold areas, proper insulation is key to preventing destructive ice dams from forming.

2. Subflooring. Whether you use hickory, maple or bamboo, everyone has their preference when it comes to flooring, but something that all flooring materials need is a solid subfloor. Like a box-spring for your mattress, AdvanTech(R) subflooring from Huber Engineered Woods provides a solid foundation that prevents sagging and squeaking, keeping your finished floor looking better, for longer.

3. A smart house. Just like our phones, cars and televisions have been radically changed by the digital revolution, so have our homes. Today’s modern smart homes are designed to fit our digital lives. Some features to consider are a consul to place your WiFi router so you can set up the appliances and thermostat for wireless. That way you’ll be able to access them from a tablet or phone. You might even want to install some USB outlets.

4. Modern kitchen solutions. Today it’s all about expansive, open-concept kitchens. With stone countertops and larger refrigerators, engineers have noticed the combination of heavy appliances and a larger floor surface area puts more stress on the finished floors. Installing AdvanTech subflooring creates a solid base for floorboards and heavy modern appliances to rest on, thus helping to prevent squeaky or uneven floors in your kitchen.

5. Choose the right exterior walls. The exterior “shells” of homes are being built tighter. In other words, new products and practices are being used to help reduce air leakage as part of the overall energy efficiency design. Next-generation exterior sheathing systems like ZIP System(R) sheathing and ZIP System(TM) tape have built-in water barriers and taped panel seams to create one continuous protective barrier underneath your finished exterior to help lock-out water and air.

If you haven’t already, talk with your builder about the hidden elements of your home, like AdvanTech subflooring, that will help your home stand up to the tests of everyday life. After all, this is the house you always envisioned, and behind the beautiful layout, you want to make sure you have a solid foundation and good bones to ensure lasting beauty and life.

Being bold is part of the territory if you want to make it as an entrepreneur in the Gig economy. The question for many of our sellers is, how do you translate your personal boldness into a strong internet presence? … Read More

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(BPT) – Holiday shopping, paying bills and making deposits, sending digital greetings and invitations, looking up recipes, gathering holiday decorating ideas — let’s face it, you’re going to be super busy this holiday season and much of that extra activity is going to take place online.

People rely on technology to make life easier. During the holidays, your Windows 10 laptop or desktop can help you get more done quickly, easily and efficiently. Here are six features to turn to when you need some help managing the holidays:

* Windows Hello — During the holidays, more people will be in and out of your house, and your laptop may be exposed to strangers if you take it with you while traveling or on an outing. Passwords are helpful, but Windows Hello takes security to the next level — and you won’t have to remember what password you’re using this month!

The feature allows you to unlock your PC with your fingerprint (similar to the fingerprint function on a smart phone) or even through facial recognition. You’ll need a device such as HP Spectre x360 with an IR camera or other device with a fingerprint reader and/or a camera to use this feature.

* Microsoft Edge — More than half of holiday shoppers are going to make purchases online this season, according to the National Retail Federation. While you’re shopping online, stay more secure by browsing with Microsoft Edge, Microsoft’s new browser with enhanced security features.

* Cortana — Want to check holiday shopping hours for stores in your area or need a killer recipe for pumpkin pie? Available on Windows 10 devices like the Dell XPS 13, Cortana is a personal digital assistant that allows you to talk to your PC naturally. If your PC doesn’t have a microphone, you can still use Cortana by typing your question in the browser search box. And because Cortana learns your search and query habits, the more you use it, the more personalized your experience will become.

* Windows Ink and Pen — Whether you want to take quick notes during your holiday baking class or design your own holiday card, the built-in pen/inking feature in Windows 10 works with a great selection of apps for artists and designers. New devices like the ASUS Transformer Mini T102 ensure precision input and block accidental touches when inking.

* Advanced design and displays — New Windows devices like the Lenovo Yoga 910 are thinner, lighter and more stylish. It’s easy to slip a device into your bag when you’re on the go, or spend hours online without having to worry about battery life. New, higher-resolution screens and small-bezel OLED displays offer vibrant color, and 2-in-1 PCs add the flexibility to work on a laptop, draw on a tablet with Windows Ink or flip to the perfect angle to watch holiday movies – all with the same device.

* Office 365 and OneDrive — Of course, amid all the holiday fun and shopping, you’ll still need to get work done, and Office 365 and OneDrive make it easy to be productive, whether you’re a student or a small business owner. OneDrive allows you to store files and work in the cloud or offline. An Office 365 personal subscription is included with select Windows 10 devices such as the HP Stream 13.

The right technology can help you get holiday digital chores done safely, securely and efficiently — leaving you more time for holiday celebrations and fun.

Start organizing your holiday to-do list by visiting your nearest Microsoft Store or microsoftstore.com.

(BPT) – Holiday shopping, paying bills and making deposits, sending digital greetings and invitations, looking up recipes, gathering holiday decorating ideas — let’s face it, you’re going to be super busy this holiday season and much of that extra activity is going to take place online.

People rely on technology to make life easier. During the holidays, your Windows 10 laptop or desktop can help you get more done quickly, easily and efficiently. Here are six features to turn to when you need some help managing the holidays:

* Windows Hello — During the holidays, more people will be in and out of your house, and your laptop may be exposed to strangers if you take it with you while traveling or on an outing. Passwords are helpful, but Windows Hello takes security to the next level — and you won’t have to remember what password you’re using this month!

The feature allows you to unlock your PC with your fingerprint (similar to the fingerprint function on a smart phone) or even through facial recognition. You’ll need a device such as HP Spectre x360 with an IR camera or other device with a fingerprint reader and/or a camera to use this feature.

* Microsoft Edge — More than half of holiday shoppers are going to make purchases online this season, according to the National Retail Federation. While you’re shopping online, stay more secure by browsing with Microsoft Edge, Microsoft’s new browser with enhanced security features.

* Cortana — Want to check holiday shopping hours for stores in your area or need a killer recipe for pumpkin pie? Available on Windows 10 devices like the Dell XPS 13, Cortana is a personal digital assistant that allows you to talk to your PC naturally. If your PC doesn’t have a microphone, you can still use Cortana by typing your question in the browser search box. And because Cortana learns your search and query habits, the more you use it, the more personalized your experience will become.

* Windows Ink and Pen — Whether you want to take quick notes during your holiday baking class or design your own holiday card, the built-in pen/inking feature in Windows 10 works with a great selection of apps for artists and designers. New devices like the ASUS Transformer Mini T102 ensure precision input and block accidental touches when inking.

* Advanced design and displays — New Windows devices like the Lenovo Yoga 910 are thinner, lighter and more stylish. It’s easy to slip a device into your bag when you’re on the go, or spend hours online without having to worry about battery life. New, higher-resolution screens and small-bezel OLED displays offer vibrant color, and 2-in-1 PCs add the flexibility to work on a laptop, draw on a tablet with Windows Ink or flip to the perfect angle to watch holiday movies – all with the same device.

* Office 365 and OneDrive — Of course, amid all the holiday fun and shopping, you’ll still need to get work done, and Office 365 and OneDrive make it easy to be productive, whether you’re a student or a small business owner. OneDrive allows you to store files and work in the cloud or offline. An Office 365 personal subscription is included with select Windows 10 devices such as the HP Stream 13.

The right technology can help you get holiday digital chores done safely, securely and efficiently — leaving you more time for holiday celebrations and fun.

Start organizing your holiday to-do list by visiting your nearest Microsoft Store or microsoftstore.com.

(BPT) – Your smartphone, your tablet, your computer – they are some of your most important and most used possessions. They are the daily tools you use for research, to connect with others and make purchases. You take them everywhere and fill them with your important, personal information.

And all of that makes them the perfect targets for a cyberattack.

The number of cybercrime incidents in the United States grows each year, and as Americans move into an increasingly digital society — thanks to smart phones, smart cars and smart in-home technologies — cybercrime is expected to grow in frequency again in 2017. Protecting yourself, your family and the vital information on your devices means increasing your focus on your own cybersecurity. That starts with these five tips.

* Recognize you’re not immune. Cyberattacks increase in frequency and severity every year, so don’t make the mistake of believing it can’t happen to you. “It’s important to protect yourself by taking personal responsibility for your data; we can’t expect banks or other institutions to do it for us,” said Jim Karagiannes, Ph.D., professor in DeVry University’s College of Engineering & Information Services. “We lock our doors and take other security measures to protect our home and car. We need to also take precautions with our personal security and information.”

* Don’t store your username, password or credit card information with a website. The convenience makes it tempting, but websites are a popular target for cybercriminals because a successful hack gives them access to hundreds or thousands of files, including yours. Even storing this information on your own computer can expose it in a cyberattack, and if your credit card information is captured, criminals can use it to gather your social security number. That exposes you to identify theft. Keep this information off your devices and, instead, create complex passwords and write down all of your usernames and passwords on a piece of paper that you keep in a safe place, such as a deposit box.

* Use only a credit card, not a debit card, when making online purchases. Using your credit card instead of your debit card allows you to keep better track of the purchases you have made. It also limits the effects of any possible theft to just the one card instead of several. If you have no choice but to use a debit card for an online purchase, do not use your pin number online.

* If it feels like a trick, it probably is. Cybercriminals often engage in “social engineering” or other non-electronic methods to try and trick you into surrendering your data. If you get a phone call about a banking or credit card issue or if your computer tells you to call a number because it just caught a virus, be cautious. Do not divulge any personal history or credit card details. Hang up or ignore the computer-generated notices and call the customer service number of the institution’s website with any questions.

* Replace your existing credit cards with chip cards as soon as possible. Chip cards are becoming the new normal these days, and if your current credit card does not have a silver square chip on its front, consider replacing it quickly. Popularized in Europe, chip cards possess the necessary encrypted information to eliminate delays in the transaction process. Doing so closes the window criminals need to steal your personal information, thus protecting you from identity theft.

You have no intention of abandoning your devices, of course, so protect them. Following the tips above will help better secure your technology and personal information from the threats of cybercrime so you can enjoy your devices with greater peace of mind.

(BPT) – Your smartphone, your tablet, your computer – they are some of your most important and most used possessions. They are the daily tools you use for research, to connect with others and make purchases. You take them everywhere and fill them with your important, personal information.

And all of that makes them the perfect targets for a cyberattack.

The number of cybercrime incidents in the United States grows each year, and as Americans move into an increasingly digital society — thanks to smart phones, smart cars and smart in-home technologies — cybercrime is expected to grow in frequency again in 2017. Protecting yourself, your family and the vital information on your devices means increasing your focus on your own cybersecurity. That starts with these five tips.

* Recognize you’re not immune. Cyberattacks increase in frequency and severity every year, so don’t make the mistake of believing it can’t happen to you. “It’s important to protect yourself by taking personal responsibility for your data; we can’t expect banks or other institutions to do it for us,” said Jim Karagiannes, Ph.D., professor in DeVry University’s College of Engineering & Information Services. “We lock our doors and take other security measures to protect our home and car. We need to also take precautions with our personal security and information.”

* Don’t store your username, password or credit card information with a website. The convenience makes it tempting, but websites are a popular target for cybercriminals because a successful hack gives them access to hundreds or thousands of files, including yours. Even storing this information on your own computer can expose it in a cyberattack, and if your credit card information is captured, criminals can use it to gather your social security number. That exposes you to identify theft. Keep this information off your devices and, instead, create complex passwords and write down all of your usernames and passwords on a piece of paper that you keep in a safe place, such as a deposit box.

* Use only a credit card, not a debit card, when making online purchases. Using your credit card instead of your debit card allows you to keep better track of the purchases you have made. It also limits the effects of any possible theft to just the one card instead of several. If you have no choice but to use a debit card for an online purchase, do not use your pin number online.

* If it feels like a trick, it probably is. Cybercriminals often engage in “social engineering” or other non-electronic methods to try and trick you into surrendering your data. If you get a phone call about a banking or credit card issue or if your computer tells you to call a number because it just caught a virus, be cautious. Do not divulge any personal history or credit card details. Hang up or ignore the computer-generated notices and call the customer service number of the institution’s website with any questions.

* Replace your existing credit cards with chip cards as soon as possible. Chip cards are becoming the new normal these days, and if your current credit card does not have a silver square chip on its front, consider replacing it quickly. Popularized in Europe, chip cards possess the necessary encrypted information to eliminate delays in the transaction process. Doing so closes the window criminals need to steal your personal information, thus protecting you from identity theft.

You have no intention of abandoning your devices, of course, so protect them. Following the tips above will help better secure your technology and personal information from the threats of cybercrime so you can enjoy your devices with greater peace of mind.

Choosing the perfect colors to convey your brand identity is a more important task than it may seem. Certain colors evoke certain emotions while expressing others. A color’s value is a representation not only of how much light and dark … Read More

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(BPT) – When it comes to hiring and retaining employees, companies are always looking at new alternatives to build their staffs. However, new research shows that when it comes to attracting top talent, many professionals prefer a return to the basics, meaning stable employment with competitive base pay with traditional medical and retirement benefits are key.

The findings come from a recent survey conducted by the Career Advisory Board, which was established by DeVry University in 2010. The survey asked employees to offer their insight into what is most important for them when looking for the right workplace. Below are some of the most interesting findings.

Predictability over perks

Employees responded resoundingly that they wanted their work life to be more in line with those of the generations before. Eighty-one percent of survey respondents said they would like to work a single, full-time job as opposed to contract work or several smaller positions. This desire rang especially true with millennials as 91 percent of those surveyed agreed.

Respondents also preferred going to the office every day (22 percent) compared to working from remotely full-time (18 percent). Millennials, in particular, were more likely to seek a job where they had to be in the office each day (27 percent).

Stable jobs were valued by 84 percent of survey respondents, while only 16 percent said they preferred a job that may come with riskier employment opportunities.

Employers looking to stay the course

For employers looking to attract and retain top talent, they should focus on solidifying their existing benefits package. A competitive salary remained the most important benefit employees consider in an employer, but traditional offerings such as medical/dental coverage, paid time off and retirement plans were heavily favored over newer perks, including onsite food, wellness offerings and day care.

Employers also don’t need to look at making dramatic changes to their existing organizational structure to attract employees. Thirty-six percent said they prefer working for a single manager, while 18 percent said they appreciated the opportunity to report to multiple managers. However, no matter how employers establish their hierarchy, they should always be looking for ways to give employees a chance to impact company decisions. Fifty-six percent said they prefer a job with “authority to make decisions that impact the entire organization,” a sign employees care deeply about where they work and want to have a vital role in its growth.

Employees seizing what they want

For employees looking for new positions, the job market is healthier and those with the right skills and attributes will have their pick of positions. As we move further away from the recession years and the economy improves, those who can afford to take their time in their job search are most likely to find a position offering the things most important to them.

“The survey results show us that businesses today need to be good employers, offering stable employment with competitive base pay and traditional medical and retirement benefits,” says Alexandra Levit, business and workplace consultant and Career Advisory Board member. “The average American worker isn’t necessarily looking for all the bells and whistles.”

To learn more about the study, visit www.careeradvisoryboard.org.

(BPT) – When it comes to hiring and retaining employees, companies are always looking at new alternatives to build their staffs. However, new research shows that when it comes to attracting top talent, many professionals prefer a return to the basics, meaning stable employment with competitive base pay with traditional medical and retirement benefits are key.

The findings come from a recent survey conducted by the Career Advisory Board, which was established by DeVry University in 2010. The survey asked employees to offer their insight into what is most important for them when looking for the right workplace. Below are some of the most interesting findings.

Predictability over perks

Employees responded resoundingly that they wanted their work life to be more in line with those of the generations before. Eighty-one percent of survey respondents said they would like to work a single, full-time job as opposed to contract work or several smaller positions. This desire rang especially true with millennials as 91 percent of those surveyed agreed.

Respondents also preferred going to the office every day (22 percent) compared to working from remotely full-time (18 percent). Millennials, in particular, were more likely to seek a job where they had to be in the office each day (27 percent).

Stable jobs were valued by 84 percent of survey respondents, while only 16 percent said they preferred a job that may come with riskier employment opportunities.

Employers looking to stay the course

For employers looking to attract and retain top talent, they should focus on solidifying their existing benefits package. A competitive salary remained the most important benefit employees consider in an employer, but traditional offerings such as medical/dental coverage, paid time off and retirement plans were heavily favored over newer perks, including onsite food, wellness offerings and day care.

Employers also don’t need to look at making dramatic changes to their existing organizational structure to attract employees. Thirty-six percent said they prefer working for a single manager, while 18 percent said they appreciated the opportunity to report to multiple managers. However, no matter how employers establish their hierarchy, they should always be looking for ways to give employees a chance to impact company decisions. Fifty-six percent said they prefer a job with “authority to make decisions that impact the entire organization,” a sign employees care deeply about where they work and want to have a vital role in its growth.

Employees seizing what they want

For employees looking for new positions, the job market is healthier and those with the right skills and attributes will have their pick of positions. As we move further away from the recession years and the economy improves, those who can afford to take their time in their job search are most likely to find a position offering the things most important to them.

“The survey results show us that businesses today need to be good employers, offering stable employment with competitive base pay and traditional medical and retirement benefits,” says Alexandra Levit, business and workplace consultant and Career Advisory Board member. “The average American worker isn’t necessarily looking for all the bells and whistles.”

To learn more about the study, visit www.careeradvisoryboard.org.