Table of Contents 2009

FEATURES

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  Upscale in a Downturn

  Remodelers must work harder and smarter to capture the discretionary spending dollars of high-end clients in a down economy.

   
• 

  Staying Power

  These remodeling companies have been in business for 25 years or more. What’s the secret to their long-term success?

   
• 

  Start Right

  Laying a solid foundation for a working relationship during the first sales meeting.

   

FINAL TOUCH

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  Learning Curve

  A remodeler realizes his vision for a custom glass-block wall.

   
• 

  High Divide

  Toby Rolt, owner of Blank Canvas Construction, had to employ all his negotiation, scheduling, and design skills for this West Hollywood retaining wall and fence project.

   
• 

  Light Column

  During a kitchen remodeling project, artist and remodeler Dana Ball of Art Guy Design, in Scottsdale, Ariz., removed a wall to open the kitchen to the adjacent living room and found a structural post that had to remain.

   

INTERVIEW

Ten Minutes With...

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  Q and A With Shari Perez and Graham Vandergrift, Southwest Airlines

  Shari Perez and Graham Vandergrift of Southwest Airlines reveal how the airline motivates employees to deliver heartfelt, outstanding customer service.

   
• 

  Ten Minutes With Erika Heet

  Erika Heet is editor of The Robb Report Collection and senior editor of Robb Report, a magazine originally sent to people who bought a Rolls-Royce, to complement their purchase, but later expanded to include a wider luxury market. The magazine is published monthly and has a circulation of 113,000...

   
• 

  Ten Minutes With : Sara Ryan Duffy

  An interview with the president of SRD International, in Los Angeles, a travel concierge company.

   

PEOPLE

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  Style and Substance

  Two new books offer insight on green building and traditional details.

   
• 

  Design Specific

  Congress of Residential Architecture (CORA) formed to provide a forum for residential design.

   
• 

  Design Branding

  An updated logo and marketing plan help an upscale firm capture design/build projects.

   
• 

  Tailored Fit

  Sarah Susanka, architect and co-author with Marc Vassallo of the Not So Big House, says it took them a long time to work on their new book, Not So Big Remodeling, because of the complexity of the subject.

   
• 

  Seeing the Difference

  Comparing before and after photographs reveals the dramatic changes and craftsmanship of high-end remodels.

   
• 

  Tuning In

  Harrell Remodeling uses podcasts to both educate homeowners and promote its services.

   

PROCESS

• 

  Higher Rise

  As with many empty nesters, those in the Washington, D.C., area are looking to downsize and move within walking distance of restaurants and other amenities.

   

PRODUCTS

KITCHEN + BATH

• 

  California Faucets Art Deco Collection

  The maker’s Art Deco faucet collection is inspired by 1920s and ’30s glamour.

   
• 

  Wellborn Cabinets Estate Custom Collection

  The Estate Custom Collection is a new brand of cabinetry by Wellborn.

   
• 

  Jenn-Air Ductless Downdraft Cooktop

  The maker’s new ductless downdraft cooktop uses a powerful filter to capture smoke and steam.

   
• 

  Cifial Techno M3 Bath Collection

  The Techno M3 bath collection has been expanded with a floor-mounted tub filler and a spa shower system comprised of six body sprays and a hand shower.

   

New + Notable

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  In & H2O Eco Wood Mosaics Tiles

  Suitable for installation on walls, floors, and even in water-adjacent areas, such as showers and spas, In & H2O Eco Wood Mosaics are real wood laminate.

   
• 

  BlueStar Buit-In Gas Wall Oven

  Available in 24-, 30-, and 36-inch widths and 190 colors, the maker now offers a built-in residential gas wall oven.

   
• 

  Jaclo Aqua Duetto Showerhead

  The Aqua Duetto redefines “showerhead” with a futuristic design that offers a smooth, cleansing waterfall or drenching rain in one unit.

   
• 

  Seura The One Slim-Profile Television Mirror

  With a display depth of 1 inch, Seura’s The One slim-profile television mirror is thin enough that the entire unit can mount directly on the wall.

   
• 

  New + Notable Products

  New Products for the Upscale Remodeling Market from Arizona Tile, Schlage, Vinotemp, and Danze.

   

PROFITS

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  Contribution Changes

  Consider these points before reducing or suspending 401(k) contributions at your company.

   
• 

  All Avenues

  Neil Kristianson of Crimson Design & Construction, in Naperville, Ill., is using new tactics to keep the phone ringing in this tough economy.

   

Other Articles

• Second-Home Sales

  2008 Investment and Vacation Home Buyers Survey by the National Association of Realtors