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Features

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    Going Green

    As consumer interest in sustainable building grows, so does the number of national and local green certification, training, and accreditation programs. Here's a guide to what's on offer.

     

View Point

  • No Immediate Recovery in Sight

    The Leading Indicator of Remodeing Activity (January 2009 release) shows that homeowner improvement spending continues to stagnate.

     
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    Moving Day

    Rather than waiting to see what trickle-down benefits there might be from the economic stimulus package, small-business owners should act now to create a stimulus package of their own.

     
  • Local Forecast: Low Buyer Confidence in Tulsa

    Though the Tulsa, Okla., economy has remained pretty robust in this economic downturn, remodelers there are seeing their sales volume decrease too.

     
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    Four Better Years of Construction Education?

    Remodeling industry is hopeful that new administration and education secretary will reboot flagging efforts to revitalize vocational education programs.

     

Commentary

Linda Case

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    Staying Upbeat

    Remodeling consultant Linda Case reveals how some business owners remain upbeat in difficult times, inspiring staff to follow them with confidence.

     

Mark Richardson

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    Adjusting Your Course

    Using the apt metaphor of stepping in quicksand, Mark Richardson discusses managing risk in a tough economy.

     

Shawn McCadden

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    Take Stock, Opportunity Knocks!

    Layoffs can be unavoidable in the remodeling recession, but they can also be a valuable impetus for rewriting job descriptions and coming out stronger.

     

Your Business

Ways + Means

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    Color Me Perfect

    Varied colored pens for each staff member are an easy way to see who has read a document.

     
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    Taking Aim

    Pinpointing your target client, job type, etc., will help you to organize and work on, not in, your business.

     
  • ByLaw: Independent Contractor?

    New Minnesota law scrutinizes construction industry employer-independent contractor relationships.

     
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    Collaborative Effort

    Pairing with competitors can bring out the best in both of you and generate more leads..

     
  • People + Skills: All Together Now

    Networking by joining organizations and making connections will bring in more leads for your company.

     

Bottom Line

  • Small Changes

    As Tri-Lite Builders in Arizona has found, small changes to the way you run your company can make a difference when the ecnomy is slow.

     
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    Truck Allowance

    One remodeling company finds that providing an allowance for employee vehicles ensures upkeep and maintenance.

     

Sales + Marketing

  • Home Show Success: A Remodeler’s Checklist

    For remodelers, home show success begins with choosing the right producer and venue, creating a welcoming exhibit, and manning it with trained and enthusiastic staff who follow up with leads quickly.

     
  • Up With Downsells

    N.C. remodeling company builds trust with budget-sensitive homeowners by helping them do more for less.

     
  • Sales School 101: Winning Prospects' Trust

    Homeowners tend to want personal references for remodelers they are considering hiring. Michael Lee lays out strategies for one new business owner who has construction experience alone.

     
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    Home Show Home Runs

    NVS Kitchen & Bath and Crossroads Contracting are two remodeling companies that have succeeded where many remodelers fail: at home shows.

     

Field Notes

By Design

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    A Room of His Own

    Rooms for men to get away from it all can be a selling point for your company.

     

Tech@Work

  • Feeling Free

    Software available for free can help business owners -- but mind the small print.

     
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    Zamp of Approval

    This Web-based software offers an easy-to-use approval system that boosts accountability.

     

Good Form

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    Online Lead Sheets

    Hartman Baldwin Design/Build uses this online lead shet to help prequalify clients.

     

Big50

Close Up

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    Big50 Profile: John Kiernan

    A name change, succession plan, and staff restructuring prepare John Kiernan's remodeling company to weather future economic storms.

     

Second Look

K+B

Design Clinic

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    Breakfast Bar

    A custom-made wide tambour door conceals an appliance garage in this remodeled kitchen.

     

Spec Book

Sustainability

Green Speak

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    Getting the Freshest Coat

    Paint companies are going beyond low-VOC to make their products more eco-friendly.

     
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    It’s in the Bag

    In an effort to raise awareness and encourage clients to live green, Jackson Design/Build includes a green-themed gift bag as part of each project's completion procedure.

     

Green Spec

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    Green Products

    Green products from Klip BioTechnologies, Crossville Tile, Mr. Bamboo, and Progress Lighting

     

Products

In Focus

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    Roofing

    New roofing products from CertainTeed, DaVinci Roofscapes, Thor Systems, and Arrow Fastener.

     
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    Caulks, Sealants, & Adhesives

    New caulks, sealants, and adhesives from Fomo, DAP, TEC Specialty, and Devcon.

     
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    Cordless Tools

    New cordless tools from Hitachi, Ryobi, Porter-Cable, and Bosch.

     

First Look

Other Articles

 
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