Remodeling articles from August 2006

Remodeling archives from August 2006

Two plus two.(ViewPoint: FirstWord)
August 1, 2006... Recently I stumbled across an interview with actor Michael J. Fox on the television program Inside the Actors Studio. At one point he was asked which school subject was least useful to him, and he said "math." The answer wasn't surprising--lots...

Not resting on Laurels.(ViewPoint: CallBack)
August 1, 2006... You drew me into your June editorial ("Ahead of the Curve," p. 17) with the dialogue about gas prices, but it was your take on leading the way--rather than reacting to outside forces--that really hit home. At Mark IV Builders, we have...

Learn from the experts.(VewPoint: InPerson)
August 1, 2006... With more than 80 courses, including CAPS, CGR, workshops, and seminars, offered in this year's Remodeling Show conference program, there are more opportunities than ever for remodelers to learn from the experts. Several Remodeling...

New Orleans: one year later.(ViewPoint: News+Notes)
August 1, 2006... At the end of the month, a year will have passed since Hurricane Katrina hammered the Gulf Coast. Although people have slowly filtered back into the city, the Big Easy is still very much a shell of her former self. Earlier this summer,...

Raise the floor.(ViewPoint: News+Notes)
August 1, 2006... FEMA guidelines released in April recommend that houses in New Orleans be built at least three feet off the ground. It was a contentious decision. Some criticized it as being cost-prohibitive, while others pointed out that flood waters reached...

No problems for Houston.(LOCAL FORECAST)
August 1, 2006... One year after Hurricane Katrina wreaked havoc on the Gulf Coast, the region is still very much in the early stages of recovery. C. Roy Nagin, mayor of New Orleans, said in early July that just 225,000 of the pre-storm population of 484,000...

A job well done: stop seeking what's wrong, and reap the rewards of giving praise.(Commentary)
August 1, 2006... I apologized for something I did. Word traveled the grapevine, and soon a card arrived in the mail from Craig Durosko of Sun Design Remodeling Specialists, in Burke, Va. The front of the card said, "Hero of the Day!" and inside was a personal...

Leadership ingredients: get out of your comfort zone and stretch your leadership muscles. Improve your leadership ability by practicing these key ingredients for success.(Commentary)
August 1, 2006... As we grow, both as individuals and with respect to our organizations, we move through stages. Early on we pursue what interests us--without much analysis. Later, we begin to think not just about our interests, but about possible outcomes....

Be the boss: being a sole proprietor means you're in charge and the buck stops at your door--and no one else's.(Commentary)
August 1, 2006... If you're married to your business, take my advice: Get a divorce. Your business doesn't need a husband; it needs someone to be the boss. Marriages are for partners; businesses are for bosses. (I'm talking about sole owners...

Responsibility as opportunity: green remodeling is the future of our industry; now's the time to embrace it.(Commentary)
August 1, 2006... Remodeling is inherently a sustainable business: existing homes are repaired, expanded, and upgraded rather than demolished and rebuilt. Reusing structural and finish materials reduces the impact on limited landfills. Adding green...

Make it official.(YourBusiness: Ways + Means)
August 1, 2006... For the past six years, Jon Vogel, owner of New Outlooks Construction, Robbinsville N.J. has held his inspectors license and for two years he was a part-time building inspector. "Getting your license and being a code official helps you...

Safety pays.(YourBusiness: Ways + Means)
August 1, 2006... D.G. Liu Contractor has found a way to make safety profitable for both the company and its individual employees. "Everyone starts with 500 safety points," says Terry Ensor, the company's production coordinator and safety officer. At the end of...

Partner talks.(Work+Life)
August 1, 2006... Q: The number of hours my business partner puts in appears to be taking a toll on him personally, and is affecting his behavior. How can I bring this up without him taking offense? A: When a business partner is acting cranky or showing...

Employees: love 'em or leave 'em as your company grows?(People+Skills)
August 1, 2006... You may find that the people who were perfect for your company when you started often aren't the right people today. Because of volume growth, new markets, increased business management savvy, or a variety of other reasons, the needs of the...

Break time.(YourBusiness: Bottom Line)
August 1, 2006... One day during break time, remodeler Geoff Martin watched as two members of his crew got into a truck to drive to Dunkin' Donuts for coffee. He determined that they spent 15 minutes driving, 10 minutes at the doughnut shop, 15 minutes driving...

Moving into the office.(YourBusiness: Bottom Line)
August 1, 2006... It's an old adage in the industry: Work on the business, not in it. Sounds great, but how to do it when you have six sites to visit and a dozen fires to put out? For Jeff Titus of Titus Built in Wilton, Conn., the answer was to delegate. ...

Marketing workshop/before + after.(YourBusiness: Sales+Marketing)
August 1, 2006... As companies evolve, their marketing should as well. Ray Wiese has presided over a remodeling company that began on a lark in 1992 and grew to $3.5 million in revenue in 2005, with an average job size of $300,000. "You start off working...

This old show house.(YourBusiness: Sales+Marketing)
August 1, 2006... Of the prospects who visit Cook-Dahl's showroom, between 80% and 90% go on to remodel with the 30-year-old company, of Brockport, N.Y. What's unusual is that the showroom is a working kitchen in owner George Dahl's home, and prospects visit by...

No objections, but no sale.(SALES SCHOOL 101)
August 1, 2006... Q: I work in an area with a large Filipino population. I have spoken with several Filipino families about remodeling their homes, and although the conversations always seem to go well, I never hear from them again. What am I missing? A:...

Time management, Part 1: every minute counts in protecting net profit.(YourBusiness: FieldNotes)
August 1, 2006... Wasted time accounts for 2% to 3% of annual sales at most remodeling companies. Do the math, and you'll see how poor time management can erode your net profit. The chart on this page assumes you have five employees in the field. Each costs...

Product specs at the ready.(YourBusiness: FieldNotes)
August 1, 2006... Manufacturers claim their new steam showers, convection ovens, and other high-end appliances are easy to use, but installing and maintaining them can be more complicated than ever. "You have to baby-sit these things," says Linden Telford, a...

SketchPad: making the most of windows.(YourBusiness: ByDesign)
August 1, 2006... Whether it's for a spec remodeling project or a private commission adding the right emphasis to the windows of a house can be a relatively simple way to add curb appeal, increase resale value, and satisfy your clients. STARTER HOUSE *...

Go mobile.(YourBusiness: Tech@Work)
August 1, 2006... Today's remodeling industry exists on jobsites and in-home sales calls, doing business from work trucks and home offices. The days of being tethered to a desk computer are over, so get mobile. Desktop vs. laptop: Unless you never visit a...

First contact on the Web.(YourBusiness: GoodForm)
August 1, 2006... In just a few pages, you'll find our Web site primer (p. 78). In that story, we briefly mention an inquiry form that you can post on your Web site as one way prospective clients can initially contact your company. The form shown here comes...

Profile: Jack Anderson.(Big50 CloseUp: Insight and opinion from the BEST in the business)
August 1, 2006... Diversification keeps Jack Anderson (Big50 1991) busy. To his original company, Insurance Reconstruction Services, he has added Tech Design/Build & Remodeling, which does non-insurance work--kitchens, baths, and additions--and a subsidiary of...

Max Isley.(SecondLook)
August 1, 2006... Max Isley, named Big50 in 2000, can remember the exact moment he knew he had burned out. The then-president of Hampton Kitchens, in Wake Forest, N.C., was sitting with a client as she agonized over whether to use brass or pewter hardware in her...

Naming numbers: how do you respond when prospects or clients ask what your markup is?(Q+A)
August 1, 2006... KENT EBERLE Eberle Remodeling Sacramento, Calif. Big50 1995 After 21 years in business, it is a rare occasion when potential clients ask about our markup. When they do, I tell them that we shoot for a 10% profit on every...

The 7 essential systems: from financial files to project warranties, a look at procedures that facilitate best remodeling practices.(Cover story)
August 1, 2006... A system, according to Merriam-Webster dictionary, is "a regularly interacting or interdependent group of items forming a unified whole." In the remodeling context, having systems in place can make a company efficient and reliable, can hold...

Web site 101: if your company doesn't have a Web site, you're missing a valuable marketing opportunity. To create an effective site, these are the basics you need to know.
August 1, 2006... When it comes to remodeling and the Internet, consumers are leading the way. Remodelers may be slow to realize the importance of a Web site to their company's success--about 40% of respondents to this month's Reader Panel survey (page 84) said...

Remodeling companies on the Web: despite the increasing reach and influence of the Internet, not all remodelers are rushing to create a Web presence for their companies.(Remodeling: ReaderPanel)
August 1, 2006... This month's Reader Panel shows that remodelers are still on the on-ramp to the information superhighway. Only slightly more than half of respondents who took our e-mailed survey said their company has a Web site. Cost was a concern for a...

Tool winner.(Remodeling: Reader Panel)
August 1, 2006... Roy Vinton of VBuilt Custom Homes, in Bryantville, Mass., won a Bosch Model 3915 10-inch slide compound miter saw for his participation in the Reader Panel. "I feel that companies need input from people who actually do the work, as opposed to...

Secret storage: hiding the entry to a kitchen pantry in a wall of cabinets creates a clean, uniform look.(Kitchen+Bath: DesignClinic)
August 1, 2006... Cabinetmaker and remodeler Byron Clinkingbeard of Custom Wood works in Baton Rouge, La., says that although this hidden pantry was not originally his idea, he liked it so much that he now offers this option to clients who prefer not to have a...

Your go-to guys.(Products: Reader'sChoice)
August 1, 2006... Hitch up that toolbelt--REMODELING readers are busy. In a recent Reader Panel survey, 23% of respondents said they completed six to 10 remodeling projects last year, while another 21% completed between 11 and 19 projects, and 13% completed 20...

Cultured Stone.(MANUFACTURED STONE)
August 1, 2006... With its rich blend of dark, smoky hues and striking contrast, Black Rundle Country Ledgestone replicates the smooth Rundle Rock of the Canadian Rockies. This is the 12th color in this product line. For interior or exterior use, these stone...

Fypon.(URETHANE FOAM MILLWORK)
August 1, 2006... Lightweight and durable, the molded urethane Ram's Head Pediment resists moisture, decay, rot, and insect and weather damage. Primed and paint-ready, the decorative and structural products can be incorporated into interior or exterior projects...

Georgia Pacific.(ENGINEERED WOOD SIDING)
August 1, 2006... Catawba engineered wood siding offers long-term performance and a beautiful look. Available in a variety of styles and textures, Catawba is factory-primed and ready to paint. The Yorktown style (shown) is available in 16-foot lengths of lap or...

Grace.(LOW-SLOPE ROOFING MEMBRANE)
August 1, 2006... Offering protection against ice dams and wind-driven rain, Grace Ice & Water Shield self-adhered roofing membrane features a rubberized asphalt adhesive backed by high-density cross-laminated polyethylene. The membrane seals around shingle...

Bamboo Hardwoods.(BAMBOO)
August 1, 2006... The company's sustainable engineered and solid bamboo floors are available in three species and four colors. Each style is made of the hardest species of bamboo ever discovered, the maker says. A lifetime factory finish of formaldehyde-free...

Pergo.(LAMINATE)
August 1, 2006... Select Traditional Strip offers durability through a thicker laminate surface and core. The traditional strip plank design creates the authentic look of a true hardwood strip floor. Featuring micro-beveled seams and narrow planks in two lengths...

Bruce Hardwood Flooring.(ENGINEERED WOOD)
August 1, 2006... "Domestic exotic hardwoods" are the focus of the new Turlington American Exotics collection, featuring three wood species: cherry, walnut, and maple. Offered in 3- or 5-inch widths, the floors feature Dura-Luster Plus low-gloss finish for...

Dal-Tile.(CERAMIC TILE)
August 1, 2006... With the look of carved ceramic inlays reminiscent of hand-thrown pottery, Solerno glazed ceramic floor and wall tile captures the craftsmanship and sensibility of its Italian origins. Available in four natural colors, the line includes 2-inch...

Silestone.(ENGINEERED STONE/QUARTZ)
August 1, 2006... Evoking the movement and texture found in nature is the River Series, an extension of the Silestone Leather with Microban product line. The durable quartz is available in seven river-inspired colors: grey Amazon, Santa Fe brown, Sonora gold,...

GlasTile.(GLASS TILE)
August 1, 2006... Offer the look of the popular ceramic process of raku in glass with the Cassandra Rakku line. This textured architectural tile, with its irregular surface and intense color, comes in many sizes to create an entire wall, border, accent, or pool...

DuPont.(SOLID SURFACE)
August 1, 2006... Incorporate Corian even more seamlessly into kitchens and baths with six new colors to blend into the home's decor. The new colors (clockwise from top) are winter wheat, silver birch, rye, oat, granola, and pine. 800.426.7426. www.corian.com....

Moen.(SINGLE-LEVER FAUCET--IT'S A TIE!)
August 1, 2006... Appealing to the design-conscious, the Vestige collection features an elegant, curved high-arc spout and traditional styling. In the kitchen, the single-handle faucet is available with a coordinating side spray. Available in chrome, LifeShine...

Kichler.(PENDANT LIGHTING)
August 1, 2006... Reminiscent of Grecian marriage vessels known as Lebes gamikos, distressed black iron scrolls cradle an umber-etched glass bowl in the Lebes bowl pendant. The fixture is part of a casual family that includes chandeliers, bath fixtures, mini...

Delta.(SINGLE-LEVER FAUCET--IT'S A TIE!)
August 1, 2006... With pull-down faucets in high demand, the Leland pull-down offers functionality and style. Featuring a single handle and high-arc spout, the two-function pull-down wand switches from stream to spray with a simple twist. The maker's patented...

Juno Lighting Group.(RECESSED LIGHTING)
August 1, 2006... To meet a growing demand for energy-efficiency, nine Energy Star-rated compact fluorescent downlights (CFL) have been introduced. Available with a large selection of 5- and 6-inch housings ranging from 13 to 32 watts, the CFLs are compatible...

KraftMaid.(FRAMED & FRAMELESS CABINETS)
August 1, 2006... The new Melrose door style features a square, quartersawn red oak veneer recessed center panel, solid red oak slab drawer fronts, and a full-overlay door design. The quartersawn cut allows the wood's subtle but distinctive grain pattern to show...

Hansgrohe.(MULTI-HEAD SHOWER)
August 1, 2006... Addressing a growing interest in shower panels, the maker has designed its BodyShower to indulge the user with an invigorating shower experience, while pleasing remodelers with easy installation. The shower panel's thin profile blends into any...

Tool winner.(Kitchen & Bath)
August 1, 2006... Jim Kleinfelder of Jim Kleinfelder Construction, West Milford, N.J., won a Bosch 10-inch Slide Compound Miter Saw for participating in the Reader's Choice survey. WE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU! Got a favorite product? Tell us about it....

Kohler.(UNDERMOUNT SINK)
August 1, 2006... Offering a stunning new shape and innovative features, the Iron/Tones Smart Divide kitchen sink softens any kitchen with its quiet contours. Smooth edges allow debris and dirt to easily wash down the drain, and the low-profile basin divider...

Salary equivalent: a tool to help you more accurately compare your remodeling company against others.(LastWord: BenchMark)
August 1, 2006... To measure one company against others, you must compare apples to apples. One obstacle to that comparison is owner's compensation, because each remodeling company tends to account for it differently. To begin with, C- and S-corporation...