Remodeling articles from April 2005

Remodeling archives from April 2005

Satisfied customer?(FirstWord)
April 1, 2005... At our recent conference for replacement contractors, Thom Winninger, an accomplished author and a sales and marketing consultant to a variety of industries, told a story about his meeting with the founder of a large fast-food pizza chain. The...

Self supervision.(CallBack)
April 1, 2005... I enjoyed the BenchMark column in February's issue ("Direct Your Costs," page 132). One problem I see is that many smaller remodelers don't perform accurate, line-by-line estimates to begin with, so adding hours for supervision would be a...

Local leaders.(News+Notes)
April 1, 2005... Marla Selko does her due diligence on remodelers: their licensing and insurance, their workmanship and expertise, their responsiveness to clients. She does her due diligence on homeowners: their project scope and budget, their expectations,...

On the bubblette.(News+Notes)
April 1, 2005... A recent study of the top 99 real estate markets found that one-fifth of the housing stock was overvalued by at least 20%. The economics division of National City Corp., the financial holding company that conducted the study, first examined...

No kids allowed.(News+Notes)
April 1, 2005... New labor laws announced in December went into effect in February, tightening the restrictions on individuals under the age of 18 working on or near roofs. The new rules, established by the U.S. Department of Labor, prohibit youths from...

Routine maintenance.(News+Notes)
April 1, 2005... A recent survey conducted by Owens Coming found that nearly 80% of homeowners indicated "some interest" in home maintenance or repair services. The company only surveyed buyers of new homes and asked questions about builders, but the...

Weather dampens RMI.(MarketWatch)
April 1, 2005... Unusually wet weather toward the end of the year hindered remodeling activity in the fourth quarter of 2004, according to the NAHB. NAHB's Remodeling Market Index for current conditions for that period was one point lower than the quarter...

Watch and learn.(LOCAL FORECAST)
April 1, 2005... There are countless ways to keep your finger on the pulse of your local economy. And not all of them involve pie charts, bar graphs, and columns of numbers. Remodeler Michael McCutcheon simply pays attention to what's going on around him. ...

Figure this.(MarketWatch)
April 1, 2005... 2.5 million Approximate number of active users in eBay's construction category Source: eBay 65.8% The labor force participation rate in February, the lowest in 16 years Source: Bureau Labor Statistics 36% ...

Technology as necessity: today's customers want to do business with companies that are technologically savvy.
April 1, 2005... New technology affects companies of all sizes, although in different ways. For example, a small practitioner can probably get away with a Web site that is little more than an electronic business card, displaying a logo and providing basic...

Plan for profit: start at the end to figure out your basic numbers.(Commentary)
April 1, 2005... The first quarter of 2005 is over. Can you answer these four questions that are crucial to your success and prosperity this year? * What volume do you need to produce in 2005? * At what gross profit do you need to produce it? * How...

Tunnel vision: all projects and clients are not created equal. Figure out what you're best at and ignore the rest.(Commentary)
April 1, 2005... Whenever I meet with remodelers, I like to ask them about the kinds of clients and types of projects they believe are right for their companies and the kinds of business opportunities they see. They describe very broad client characteristics,...

The habitat habit: going from for-profit to non-profit has its rewards.(Commentary)
April 1, 2005... For about 30 years, I was a general contractor/remodeler who had worked through the ranks until I owned my own business. Then in December 2003 I got involved with Habitat for Humanity of Bucks County (Pennsylvania) through my local NARI...

Advise and contract.(Ways+Means)
April 1, 2005... Sun Light & Power Company in Berkeley had a provision in its contract that ownership of materials didn't transfer to the homeowners until they paid for it. This helped the company preserve its fight to repossession if equipment wasn't paid for....

Finish with a Franklin.(Ways+Means)
April 1, 2005... Those lingering little projects that finish a job--and really put a good face on your company--are no longer a bother for David Merrick, owner of Merrick Design & Build, in Kensington, Md. In a moment of frustration over outstanding...

Be on the same page.(Ways+Means)
April 1, 2005... The aptly named House About It, by Sheri Koones, tells it all--the "it" being everything from roofing, windows, and garage doors to mechanical systems, lighting, stairs, architectural styles, and construction types. Chapters offer definitions,...

All systems first.(Work+Life)(Interview)
April 1, 2005... Q: How big should my business be before I put systems in place? A: No matter what size your business is, if you are about being with people, including your family, team, and customers, your business needs systems to keep it on track--to...

Conversation peace: difficult talks can become easier if we approach them in the proper way.(People+Skills)
April 1, 2005... One of the toughest parts of managing for many people happens when they have to talk to an employee, sub, or client about an unpleasant topic--whether it's underperformance, a disagreement about a bill, or a misunderstanding about a project....

Show them the money.(BottomLine)
April 1, 2005... As a financial instructor at the Certified Contractor's Network's conferences, remodeler Tom Capizzi has worked with more than 30 companies to improve their bottom line. The president of Capizzi Home Improvements in Cotuit, Mass., says only 5%...

The right end.(BottomLine)
April 1, 2005... Companies with a C corporation organization should consider using a fiscal year other than the calendar year for accounting and tax returns. Consultant Steve Maltzman, president of SMA Consulting in Colton, Calif., feels the option allows...

Mass customization.(Sales+Marketing)
April 1, 2005... Lacking the time, budget, or inclination to develop your own marketing materials? A growing number of manufacturers and suppliers produce free or inexpensive newsletters, brochures, and other documents designed to help sell your remodeling...

Trim? Check. Walls? Check. Satisfied client? Check ...(Sales+Marketing)
April 1, 2005... An often-overlooked marketing tool is great service--before, during, and after the remodeling process. Jeffrey Winn accompanies his customers on a walkthrough of their remodeled homes 30 days after completing a project, then again at six...

An earful of luxury.(Sales+Marketing)
April 1, 2005... Every remodeler hopes that satisfied clients will recommend the company's services to friends and relatives. So Keating/Moore Construction was delighted when one particular client offered to sing the company's praises within his own...

The up-front contract.(SALES SCHOOL 101)
April 1, 2005... PROBLEM Unpleasant and potentially deal-killing sales call "surprises." Examples: Just one of the two homeowners shows up for your initial visit; they want only to confirm that another remodeler's price is fair; they're nowhere near ready...

In the house.(FieldNotes)
April 1, 2005... Barbara Rose set up an in-house training program at S.N. Peck, Builders for several reasons. First, the company has complex, high-end projects and works with demanding architects and customers. "The world is not full of carpenters who do good...

Passing the baton.(FieldNotes)
April 1, 2005... If you use the lead carpenter system, you need to share information with your lead carpenters. Unfortunately, the salesperson or owner doesn't usually give the lead enough time to review project information before actual construction begins....

When more is more.(ByDesign)
April 1, 2005... Many empty-nesters want to enjoy their homes and modify them so that they work for them as they get older. In this case, the Chicago-area homeowners wanted more first-floor space, including a master suite and family room. But, says designer Sue...

Drawing a fee.(ByDesign)
April 1, 2005... Mark Richardson of Case Design/Remodeling says Case has, over a 30-year period, evolved a process for charging for design--preliminary design, for which the client is charged .5% to 2%; detailed planning, which is 6% to 8%; and construction....

Easy estimating.(Tech@Work)
April 1, 2005... After 35 years in the remodeling business, Terry Quinn was still using a yellow pad and pen to create homemade estimating spreadsheets. But a demonstration of Clear Estimates software by a member of his Business Networks peer group changed...

Does a SmartPhone make the grade?(Tech@Work)
April 1, 2005... Thinking about getting a "SmartPhone" and wondering if it's worth the extra money? I've used a Treo 600 for a few months now, and it's more like a owning a dog than using a phone: I like having it around, it can do a few neat tricks, but there...

Management by objective.(GoodForm)
April 1, 2005... Nearly a decade ago, remodeler Dennis Allen was talking with one of his regular clients--a retired vice president at Gillette--about setting up an advisory board for his company. The client joked that Allen couldn't afford him as a consultant...

Profile: Stephen Hann.(CloseUp)
April 1, 2005... In bad movies, truth serums are used to get people to spill their secrets, reveal where the loot is, or confess their true love. In Houston, the truth serum favored by Stephen Hann is neither sinister nor liquid but a professional services...

James A. Rice.(SecondLook)
April 1, 2005... United we stand, divided we fall is not a concept that fits Jim Rice's Forest Construction, Camarillo, Calif. Since winning a Big 50 award in 1987, Forest spawned a new company each time the business grew. The companies are successful, together...

Do you let clients work on your projects?(FaceOff)
April 1, 2005... PROFIT BUSTER We typically can collect significant profit margins on the sections of the project the clients usually want to do on their own: drywall, carpeting, flooring, and painting. If we allowed them to take over these parts of the...

Perfect fit: what type of information do you collect and evaluate to decide if a job is right for you?
April 1, 2005... Q+A LISA AND STEVE SCHLIFF On the Beam Remodeling Oakland, Calif. Big50 2002 If the customer is looking for several bids, it indicates they are searching for low numbers, not quality. We are quality--not necessarily low...

Hidden surprises: these homeowners didn't bug out when a two-month project turned into a full-year affair.(Before+After)
April 1, 2005... Some fresh paint. Several new tiles. A few fixtures. All minor repairs. When Genevieve Duncan and Keith Snodgrass first thought about updating their war-era black and white master bath, they just wanted to make some small changes to bring it...

Packing a punch: the business smarts behind small remodelers' success.
April 1, 2005... Back when he had 16 people working for him, David Merrick would "watch them make the same mistake again and again," says the owner of Merrick Design & Build, Kensington, Md. He's happier and more successful running a "practice" with just four...

Born to sell: women have good sales techniques naturally.
April 1, 2005... In a bouncing southern accent, Pam Fry of Mr. Rogers Windows tells the story of selling replacement windows to a North Carolina couple--a farmer and his wife. It was late on a Saturday afternoon, her sixth and last day of a tough week. She had...

Show and tell: remodelers have to figure out whether showrooms will work for or against them.
April 1, 2005... Watch the animated couples wandering through a Home Depot Expo Design Center or Great Indoors on a Saturday morning. They're comparing tiles, perusing paint charts, fiddling with faucets, and yes, taking off their shoes to climb into whirlpool...

The selections maze: everyone wins when trusted systems make for smooth product selections.
April 1, 2005... A remodeled kitchen or bath is usually a dream come true for your client. So you'd think they would eagerly look forward to product selection. After all, choosing tile, appliances, and faucets is supposed to be the fun part of remodeling. But...

Material options: most remodelers help clients choose products so they can stay on schedule.(ReaderPanel)
April 1, 2005... Making product selections can be a frustrating part of the remodeling process--for both clients and contractors. It takes a lot of coordination to lead clients through the maze of product choices and have the selections ready in time to meet...

Lance-Larkin.(KBIS Preview)
April 1, 2005... Brew Express is a built-in-the-wall, space-saving coffee maker that's fully plumbed and self filling. It installs into the wall of existing or new construction and connects to a pre-plumbed water source or pumps from a bottled-water source. The...

Aristokraft.(KBIS Preview)
April 1, 2005... The Arts and Crafts look is everywhere this season, including the Raulin collection of cabinetry. The wide-rail frame is complemented by Shaker crown molding. Full overlay drawers, slab drawer fronts, and recessed door panels distinguish the...

Danze.(KBIS Preview)
April 1, 2005... Part of the company's Opulence Collection, the Victorian-style pot filler features an articulated spout with 13-inch and 7-inch arms that swing out from the wall. Solid brass construction and ceramic disc valves ensure high performance and...

Delta.(KBIS Preview)
April 1, 2005... The company has partnered with water filtration experts PUR to develop the Simply PUR Water Filtration System. The all-inclusive system coordinates with a number of Delta faucets and uses PUR blue filters. Quick connect hoses make for easy...

Armstrong cabinets.(KBIS Preview)
April 1, 2005... Designed for the higher-end kitchen, Sedona is a maple cabinet with a full overlay, solid raised center panel door. Its rope inlay molding adds a dramatic touch. Five colors and five glaze finish treatments are offered, and the cabinet comes...

Gerber.(KBIS Preview)
April 1, 2005... The Brianne collection of kitchen and bath fixtures offers a range of stylish options in chrome, brushed nickel, and oil-rubbed bronze. The faucets are available in both two-handle and single-control configurations, and the single-control...

Quality cabinets.(KBIS Preview)
April 1, 2005... Striking yet versatile, the Hancock cabinet door style features 2 1/2-inch rails and stiles and a recessed panel design. The maple cabinets are offered in six finishes, including Champagne, Butterscotch, and Cordovan (shown). A number of...

Eljer.(KBIS Preview)
April 1, 2005... Helping to mark the company's 100th anniversary is the Titan, the result of a design team challenge to create a highly engineered yet aesthetically appealing toilet. Its longer trapway increases siphoning action, while the advanced flushing...

Jacuzzi.(KBIS Preview)
April 1, 2005... Part of the Morphosis initiative, the Gamma corner whirlpool bath has body and back jets and chromatherapy lighting. The series, which also includes the Alpha and Sigma tubs, merges high-end design with hydrotherapy innovation, the company...

Impact-resistant roofing: insurance companies lead the charge on hail-resistant Class 4 shingles.(Roofing)
April 1, 2005... Roofing contractors express skepticism, and some shingle makers seem cautious. Still, the insurance industry has charged forward promoting impact-resistant (IR) shingles to stave off hail damage. According to the Insurance Information...

Tooling up for fiber cement: installation is easier with the right equipment.(Siding)
April 1, 2005... Few dispute the superior performance of fiber-cement siding. But if the crew doesn't have the right tools, you'll not only hear some grumbling but you will also be paying slightly higher labor costs. Here's a rundown on the essentials needed to...

In recovery.(Siding)
April 1, 2005... Q: What should I do if I'm in a sales slump? A: One of the key characteristic,, of a truly professional salesperson is to be able to quickly recognize when a slump occurs and have a plan ready when, not if, a slump happens. * Recognize...

Cheers for Veneers: easy-to-install masonry veneers improve in design and durability.(Trends)
April 1, 2005... Brick and stone veneer products are looking better than ever these days. Advances in design and technology have made it easy to create gorgeous fireplace surrounds, exterior accents, and more. Robinson Brick Co., which has been making...

Master plasters: faux finishes provide unique looks with wide appeal.(Trends)
April 1, 2005... Tuscan, Southwestern, or just eclectic, the new faux finishes for walls are a lot more subtle than the ragging, dragging, and bagging looks of recent years. Plaster finishes are cropping up in warm, earthy colors and soft expressions. ...

Clamoring for clad: with good looks and an ever-growing number of styles, aluminum- and vinyl-clad windows prove why they're tops with homeowners.(Trends)
April 1, 2005... Increased focus on unique profiles and wood species and an expanding selection of hardware and finishes are making aluminum- and vinyl-clad windows a perennially popular choice with pros and homeowners. Manufacturers are expanding their...

Tools for success.(Reader'sChoice)
April 1, 2005... The astounding plethora of business books on the market today makes it hard to choose one that's right for remodelers. But Mark Scott of Mark IV Builders in Bethesda, Md., has found one he loves. CEO TooLs by Kraig Kramers has been an...

One-sided.(Readers'sChoice)
April 1, 2005... David Kramer of 21st Century Building Company in West Bloomfield, Mich., specializes in James Hardie siding because he has had nothing but success with it. Even though it can be more expensive than other siding options, Kramer says he has...

Home automation.(InFocus)
April 1, 2005... The Z-Wave Alliance is not a federation of superheros but a consortium of leaders in the home technology industry who want to set Z-Wave technology as the standard for wireless home control products. Developed by Zensys, Z-Wave is a two-way,...

LiteTouch.(Home Automation)
April 1, 2005... With the LiteTouch 5000LC control system, homeowners can control individual window treatments, groups of window treatments, or all window treatments at once with the touch of a button. The product is combined with the motor interface of Solar...

GE security.(Home Automation)
April 1, 2005... Smart ConnectionCenter structured wiring products integrate the entire home's electronics. Telephone, computers, security, cable and digital satellite TV, and more are controlled at one source. Surge suppression equipment protects equipment...

HAI.(Home Automation)
April 1, 2005... Designed for large residences, the OmniPro H coordinates lighting, heating and air, security, and messaging based on activity and schedules. It accepts customized "scenes" that set temperatures, lights, and security to desired levels with one...

Eaton.(Home Automation)
April 1, 2005... The Home Heartbeat home awareness system gives homeowners an all-in-one glimpse at the status and condition of their homes, the maker says. The wireless, plug-and-use system features the Home Key (shown), a keychain-sized LCD screen that...

Greyfox.(Home Automation)
April 1, 2005... The Category 5 Intercom System, which received the Innovative Housing Technology Award at the 2005 Builders' Show, supports up to 12 indoor room locations, two outdoor locations, and one main location. It boasts an unobtrusive wall plate along...

Elan.(Home Automation)
April 1, 2005... The VIA! 4.0 In-Wall touch panel features a 4-inch color LCD touch screen that allows homeowners to view live video sources and control whole-house A/V systems, lighting, security, temperature, and more. The system uses the company's existing...

Sonance.(Home Automation)
April 1, 2005... As the Apple iPod becomes the ubiquitous music system, more accessories arrive on the market to serve its users' needs. The iPort is an in-wall docking station that lets the iPod's music play over any whole-home audio system. Each iPort comes...

AirVent.(Roofing)
April 1, 2005... Featuring an external baffle designed to create an airflow pattern that draws air out of the attic, the ShingleVent II-9 A also has a unique weather filter system to help stop entry of rain, snow, dust, and insects. The charcoal-colored shingle...

Tamko.(Roofing)
April 1, 2005... Lamarite Shake Composite Shingles are made with an authentic grain pattern in 5-, 7-, and 12-inch widths to emulate the look of real wood. With Class A fire resistance and Class 4 impact resistance, the durable shingles come with a 50-year...

Met-Tile.(Roofing)
April 1, 2005... The Tile Panel roofing system is now available in aluminum. The 3-foot-wide panels weigh approximately 0.85 pounds per square foot yet still offer strength, durability and fire resistance. Aluminum reflects radiant heat, which may result in...

CertainTeed.(Roofing)
April 1, 2005... The Landmark TL IR shingle meets the highest test rating for impact resistance. The tri-laminate asphalt shingle is engineered with a tough fiberglass scrim on its back surface for increased durability and meets UL Class A fire resistance....

Elk.(Roofing)
April 1, 2005... The RidgeCrest vented high profile hip and ridge shingles are now available nationwide. They come with the shingle applied to the vent with Formula FLX, which ensures strength and flexibility, according to the maker. The shingles are...

Atlas.(Roofing)
April 1, 2005... WeatherMaster underlayment creates a weather-tight barrier over the roof deck, blocking rain and ice buildup in problematic areas such as valleys. eaves, flashings, hips, ridges, and rakes, and around dormers and skylights. It can be applied...

GAF.(Roofing)
April 1, 2005... Grand Timberline shingles are 33% thicker and up to 50% bigger than standard architectural shingles, to replicate the natural beauty of traditional "sawn" wood shakes, the maker says. Warranted to withstand winds up to 110 miles per hour, the...

Royal building products.(Roofing)
April 1, 2005... Manufactured with Roytech polymer compound, DuraSlate shingles will not dent, split, or corrode and are virtually unbreakable, the maker says. With distinctive low-gloss, variegated color and natural slate textures, the shingles replicate the...

Versatex.(Exterior Trim)
April 1, 2005... The company's Free-Foam cellular PVC trim board is now offered in a reversible board featuring Timber Ridge Texture on one side, designed to blend with fiber-cement siding. The boards are available in sizes ranging from a nominal 4- to 16-inch...

WindsorOne.(Exterior Trim)
April 1, 2005... S4SSE boards are smooth on all four sides and can be used in a variety of trim applications, including casing, window stools and aprons, pilasters, and headers. The engineered wood board is end- and edge-glued, with glue joints stronger than...

Dixie-Pacific.(Exterior Trim)
April 1, 2005... The QuickRail system provides thicker walls and greater stiffness and rigidity with less weight and is ideal for harsh weather conditions, says the maker. The UV-protected rails require little maintenance and come in two colors: Vibrant White...

Azek.(Exterior Trim)
April 1, 2005... Three profiles, Brick Mould, Crown Mould, and Drip Cap, have been added to the company's product line. The cellular PVC trim is ready to install and doesn't require painting, although it can be if desired. The products are milled in the same...

2005 KBIS show.(PRODUCT SPOTLIGHT)(Advertisement)
April 1, 2005... This year's Kitchen and Bath Industry Show & Conference takes center stage in Orlando, Florida, April 10-13. K*BIS is the largest kitchen and bath industry event in the world. With 3,900 exhibitors from 700 companies representing 80...

Delta.(PRODUCT SPOTLIGHT)(Advertisement)
April 1, 2005... Introducing our new Lockwood Bath Suite inspired by the traditional teapot design but now with a modern twist. Create a luxury shower experience with a rain can showerhead and optional 13-inch gooseneck shower arm. Available in three finishes,...

Basco.(PRODUCT SPOTLIGHT)(Advertisement)
April 1, 2005... In 2005, Basco celebrates 50 years as the nation's largest and most reliable provider of customer shower enclosures. Basco's family of hand-crafted shower enclosures fulfill dreams and meet any budget, ranging from the basic Performance line,...

Armstrong Cabinets.(PRODUCT SPOTLIGHT)(Advertisement)
April 1, 2005... Sedona [TM], our most decorative cabinet, is designed to make a statement in any room and features a gorgeous rope inlay molding. This maple style cabinet is available in hand-rubbed glaze treatments or traditional finishing. Glazes enhance the...

Acryline.(PRODUCT SPOTLIGHT)(Advertisement)
April 1, 2005... Acryline's Nirvana Bath is a soaking bath designed for bathroom remodeling and new construction. Features a variety of bathing options, from gentle to vigorous massaging warm air bathing systems. Constructed for right- or left-hand...

Cambria.(PRODUCT SPOTLIGHT)(Advertisement)
April 1, 2005... Cambria natural quartz countertops are so captivating they will take your kitchen to an entirely new level. The non-porous quartz won't absorb or stain like granite, so it's totally worry-free and naturally kitchen-safe. Only Cambria has the...