Table of Contents December 2008

Features

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  Class Work

  Homeowner seminars offer a way to position yourself as an expert and to boost leads as well.

   

Wage + Benefit Survey

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  Surviving the Fall

  Dramatic business drop-off has some remodeling companies taking extreme measures to stay solvent.

   
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  The Importance of Benefits

  Comprehensive benefits packages can be the key to attracting quality employees to your team.

   
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  2008 Wage & Benefit Survey

   

View Point

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  First Lead Deadline Looms

  If you work in homes built prior to 1978, EPA lead paint regulations affect you.

   

• You're Not Alone: Online Resources for Remodelers

  In a tough economy, turn to the Remodeling Online blogs and forums for advice and industry insights from your peers.

   
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  December 2008 Figure This

  Facts and figures about the remodeling industry.

   

• Local Forecast: In Las Vegas, Foreclosures Offer a New Market

  In Las Vegas, a veteran remodeling company is working with real estate agents to tap into the foreclosure market.

   
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  LIRA Shows Continued Decline in Spending

  The third-quarter release of the Leading Indicator of Remodeling Activity (LIRA) predicts that homeowner improvement spending will decline at an annual rate of 12% by the second quarter of 2009.

   
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  Heed the Signs

  Regardless of whether you still have work, the market is changing, and to ignore those changes is dangerous for your company.

   

Commentary

Linda Case

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  Leadership Is the New Black

  Linda Case identifies strategies for surviving 2009 by developing a realistic budget and targeted marketing plan.

   

Mark Richardson

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  Make Change a Priority — Now

  There is opportunity in today's tough economic climate if you proactively seek new ways of going to market.

   

Shawn McCadden

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  The Power of Confidence

  Remodeling consultant Shawn McCadden outlines the key psychological advantage that helped his company emerge stronger from the last major remodeling recession.

   

Your Business

Ways + Means

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  ByLaw: Act Now

  Be wary when using the "free-gift" sales methodology and be aware that state laws about free gifts vary.

   
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  Alternative Path

  It's possible to swing a hammer and still run a thriving, profitable business without going crazy.

   
• 

  Dollars and Sense

  What to expect when you're seeking a financial planner and how to find one that's a good fit for your company.

   
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  People + Skills: Performance Review

  Victoria Downing of Remodelers Advantage Roundtables asks remodelers whether they discuss compensation with employees during the performance review or hold it for a second meeting.

   

Bottom Line

• Reaching Out

  Mining your most reliable source — your past clients — for potential leads.

   
• 

  Fast Cash — at a Price

  Factoring companies allow small businesses to get cash within a matter of days, but you must consider the risks, too.

   

Sales + Marketing

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  Delivering the Good News

  Successful strategies for creating positive news that gives homeowners the confidence to remodel.

   
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  Sales School 101

  Sandler Systems CEO, Dave Mattson, explains the psychology behind, and antidotes to, slower remodeling buying decisions.

   

Field Notes

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  A Clean Cut

  An emerging trend in construction hiring: paid, on-the-job "try outs," with no obligation to offer the permanent position.

   
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  If the Toolbelt Fits ...

  When managers return to the field after a long absence, they must respect the existing chain of command — and not undermine it.

   
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  Fair Trades

  In the tighter economy, remodelers are asking trade contractors to shave costs. The key is to communicate why — and what's in it for them.

   

By Design

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  Making Headway

  Actual and visual techniques to make a basement feel more spacious.

   

Tech@Work

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  Making the Most of Mobility: MyOnlineToolbox

  MyOnlineToolbox is an online application that helps organize the daily business of remodelers and contractors.

   
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  Apply Yourself

  These iPhone apps are great for remodelers, architects, and other construction-related businesspeople.

   

Good Form

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  Lead Tracking Plus

  Analyze the effectiveness of your marketing strategies using this in-depth lead tracking spreadsheet.

   

Big50

Close Up

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  Big50 CloseUp: David Tyson

  David Tyson's Charlotte, N.C., company is getting set for growth.

   

Second Look

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  SecondLook: Steven Whitlock

  This long-lived remodeling firm mixes custom home building, remodeling, and excellent customer service to keep the company going.

   

Solutions

• Pricing Adjustment

  This Q&A with Big50 remodelers asks how the economy affects their pricing and bidding.

   

K+B

Management

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  Staying Home

  New book to help designers create homes that allow homeowners to age in place.

   
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  Access to Design

  A new showroom offers products and installations for aging clients and those with disabilities.

   

Spec Book

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  Toilets

  New products from American Standard, Caroma, Kohler, and Laufen

   

Sustainability

Green Speak

• Computer Recycling

  Dell is making it easier for small businesses to donate and recycle old computers.

   
• 

  Green Improvement

  Survey with insights into how green issues affect consumers' attitudes and behaviors in home improvement

   

Green Spec

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  New Green Products for the Remodeling Market

  Green products from WaterFurnace, Eco-Heater, Danze, and iLevel by Weyerhaeuser.

   

Products

Trends

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  Thermo(stat) Dynamics

  New technology makes thermostat operation easier and more precise for homeowners and remodelers.

   

In Focus

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  Safety Equipment

  Jobsite safety products and worker gear from Gateway Safety, Capital Safety, North Safety, and Timberland Pro.

   
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  Rough Hardware

  Rough hardware products from Duo-Fast, LE Johnson, Arcus, and Ridgid.

   
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  Trucks & Accessories

  New model year designs and high-tech accessories can help improve your truck fleet.

   

First Look

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  December 2008 First Look

  New products from Bosch, HomeCrest Cabinetry, Atlantic Premium Shutters, and 2BenchSolutions.

   

Other Articles

• Cutting Costs

  By now your 2009 budget should be nearly complete — how does it look? Are you making the money you, as owner, need to make?