Pendants seem like a better geometric fit.

1.When to Pull the Trigger The first step in calculating your ROI is to examine your existing lighting. It might be strange to hear this from a company that manufactures LED fixtures, but the technology is not the right fit for every facility and budget — at least not yet. Project managers should be wary of any company or salesperson that tries to claim otherwise. The next decade will likely bring new capabilities and cheaper technology. If you have a facility full of modern fluorescents that are well-placed, you may be wise to switch to LED fixtures in phases. Begin with the areas where LED light can have the biggest impact, like high-volume production lines, warehouse aisles, cold storage and cranes. These areas can suffer significant productivity losses when lighting goes out and stopping production during normal shifts is not an option. The best results from a full LED retrofit will be seen in facilities still using metal halides or other high-intensity discharge lamps, as LEDs have the potential to cut lighting-related energy expenses in half and decrease overall energy use by up to 50 percent. 2.The Site Visit: They Should Come To You Once you’ve decided on an LED retrofit, the first step is a site visit. There is no universal standard or equivalency formula that ensures quality coverage when switching out metal halides, flourescents and LED fixtures. Each type of fixture distributes light differently, so a 1-to-1 fixture swap rarely produces the ideal coverage. Because of that, any responsible lighting project design should begin with an in-person inspection. Light levels are impacted by a variety of factors including placement, obstructions, wall colors and the amount of dirt and dust present. The same plan won’t work for a cold storage facility in Houston that works for a manufacturing plant in Kansas, even in a building with the same square footage.If companies offer over-the-phone or over-the-Internet quotes based on the idea of equivalencies, they are offering rough estimates, not guarantees. On the other end of the spectrum, specialty firms also charge exorbitant fees for engineer-designed layouts. Good project management includes a no- or low-cost site visit in your scope of work and a specialized layout that is part of a larger project management cost. 3.A Good Quote: It’s a Workhorse, Not a Unicorn There are three key elements to project management: quality, service and price. Every manager wants the unicorn — a company that delivers high-end products for a low price with services like installation and rebates. But that’s not a sustainable business plan. If companies promise you the impossible, or even just a high-end fixture at a bargain price, they’re probably stretching the truth to make the sale. Be leery.Instead, a good quote offers expert advice, outlining how you should devote your project resources to maximize your ROI. If your budget is limited, or allocated over a five-year period, then a strong quote will include installation in phases. The quote is your blueprint, so it should focus on your goals and resources instead of offering canned options or simply replacing halides or fluorescents. A well-designed LED layout will account for changes in light distribution because LED output is more focused horizontally and vertically than light from older technologies. You’ll likely need grid adjustments involving electricians and other contractors. Aside from seeing your goals and having a clearly articulated implementation plan, a strong project proposal should also spell out who will take responsibility for everything from electricians to contractors to scheduling. If the contract is unclear or the sales reps sidestep the issue — walk away from the deal. It’s more valuable to pay for good service than to pay twice for bad service. 4.Installation Done Right: Avoid Costly Disruptions The most important question to ask a potential project management coordinator is “Can you guarantee installation that minimizes work interruptions?” Paying for project management is valuable, but only if the project management works. Demand a single point of contact, accessibility during installation and confirm a clear plan of responsibility for potential delays. Installation is one of the hidden costs of retrofit projects. On paper, coordinating your own retrofit installation reduces the project costs, sometimes significantly. In practice, your own lack of expertise can cause hiccups in the process that can cost valuable production time and staff time, and reduce the overall quality of your LED investment.It’s essential your project manager understands local, statewide and national energy codes. This is a key detail that may help you weed out the light bulb salesmen from the lighting experts. If no one is talking codes, then you’re more likely to be left with a liability than an upgrade. 5.Closeout Procedure: Don’t Walk Away Before You Measure Before you end the project, the company you hire should come in with reliable technology and measure the new light output in your space. If you don’t hit your foot candle goals or if the occupancy sensors aren’t working properly, your point of contact should make it right, at no additional cost. The final step in the close-out procedure – the rebate – should also be free of charge. Rebates can cover up to 50 percent of your total project costs when switching from an older or inefficient system. Push back if your project manager asks for rebate fees or guarantees a rebate as part of a price reduction plan. A rebate is an estimate and it’s critical to understand that rebates are not guaranteed. Local and state rebates can depend on the money available to the issuing agencies or factors outside the scope of your project. Utility providers qualify the availability of funds only at the start of projects and typically must visit your facility to validate the existing system compared to the LED system being installed. Relying on remaining available rebate dollars that may be exhausted prior to your approval and start date may leave you frustrated with your project. When you are ready to speak to someone about a lighting retrofit for your facility, contact our professionals at Worldwide Energy. After explaining the process of upgrading your lighting, you will see that our practices follow Mike’s guidelines laid out in the article. When you work with Worldwide Energy, you get an experienced and efficient team working hard to provide you with the best service available.

Rui, On the contrary, If you look from the left it should align with the base cabinet because they are in same size. Most likely, it will go off by 3/8 of an inch after the dish washer (as it has been wiggled in). It is too small a difference to be noticed by average person because they are at different heights. We are suggesting to change either the cabinet above sink or the single box above right of dishwasher. It will be easier and the filler will be least noticeable above the sink as the shutters are already of a different size. Good news, is that you may have the cabinet boxes already. You can check by placing them starting from the left most wall whether the above suggestion works for you. Thanks, Nitin Cornerstone Designs, Bangalore.

Djhamu, why wouldn't it be fair enough a question ? The reasons of measurement differences could be many: 1 - Approximates: Eg. 10'4" Could be be considered as 11' and 10.5" by two different people. 2 - Work Approach : In a ABC triangle one has an option of going directly from A-C or from A - B and then B - C. Depending upon which route they take their measurements will be different. 3 - Misunderstood/missed requirements: When you say I need painting, some one will consider just painting while another one will include 2 coats of putty one of primer and then paint. Difference! 4 - Taking measurements lightly : Some folks know just by previous experience that a 2 BHK home painting would cost them say X and they give a rough measurements which will differ from the one taken by some one more methodical with measurements. The reasons of price differences is like any other service say a Doctor. Skill, Experience, Demand and competition are some of the economic factor that help them decide market rates. It doesn't mean the costliest one is best or cheapest one is not good. Recommendation: It's good to be involved in the process but too much of intervention by a new cook surely spoils the broth :). When I go to a Doctor I don't ask him how he knows which medicine is best for me or how much I should take :) likewise trust your professional here (unless you have a strong reason of not trusting her) Best way to approach would be to hire a trusted consultant, get your 2D- 3D drawings, measurements, product and material specifications, in black and white . Use this detail sheet to get a quote from different vendors. For example with drawings in your hand you already know that your wall is 9'1 X 15' measurement ask a quote with details like how many quotes of putty/ primer and sanding of which brand are required. It shall cover most of the differences above. 3 tips : : I have personally seen that people who 'know too much' are very easily duped. They fall quickly for the 'ego' trap. : Trust the people who have done good job in past with your friends and family, search around , get involved but not too much. Genuine reviews are there because people have been happy.. : Finally, don't fall for sweet talks :D Some one is 'cheaper' for a reason. Most of the jobs you mentioned is measured either in per/sqft or lump-sum basis. Thanks, Nitin Cornerstone Designs, Bangalore.