Remodeling articles from February 2005

Remodeling archives from February 2005

Extra credit.(First Word)
February 1, 2005... My father died of leukemia. It was a particularly virulent strain, and he was gone less than four months after the original diagnosis. He was 82, too old for chemotherapy. The only thing modern medicine could do to extend his life and make his...

Insurance leads.(Call Back)
February 1, 2005... Thanks for writing about insurance work in your November editorial ("Masters of Disaster," page 11). You did a great job of characterizing some of the more difficult aspects of this niche business. One additional troublesome component of this...

Strong column.(CallBack)
February 1, 2005... I've enjoyed Mark Richardson's columns in recent issues of REMODELING. I especially enjoyed the article on passion ("Passion Plays," December 2004, page 33). I believe it is a key component to success in almost any aspect of life. It's truly...

Contractor beware: hurricane-torn Florida needs skilled roofers, but before jumping in your truck, here's what you need to know.(News+Notes)
February 1, 2005... Pity poor Florida. August and September 2004 saw four deadly hurricanes within six weeks, resulting in billions of dollars' worth of damage to homes and businesses and an ongoing, critical need for experienced, licensed construction...

The HSA option: under certain circumstances, health savings accounts tied to a high deductible policy can save you money.(News+Notes)
February 1, 2005... As health insurance prices continue to rise, contractors may want to consider an option called health savings accounts (HSAs). They're no cure-all, but some companies have successfully switched to this lower-cost alternative from PPOs and HMOs....

Building on the Census.(News+Notes)
February 1, 2005... Census reports open a fascinating window into how the American population has changed. But they also speak volumes about how the population will change--and the opportunities and challenges likely to result. With a little reading between the...

Remodeling activity indicator.(Market Watch)
February 1, 2005... Homeowner spending on remodeling ended 2004 almost 6% over 2003 levels, according to the Remodeling Activity Indicator (RAI) devised by Harvard's Joint Center for Housing Studies. Kermit Baker, director of the Joint Center's Remodeling Futures...

Cross checks.(Local Forecast)
February 1, 2005... This time of year, Tim Cross pays close attention to his leads. "From November to January, there won't be many calls," says Cross, owner of Merrick Construction, a $5.3-million remodeling and custom construction company in Rumson. N.J. "But by...

Figure this.(Market Watch)
February 1, 2005... 22% Amount that sales of solar thermal collectors grew in Europe in 2003, according to the French periodical Systemes Solaires. -2% Amount that sales of solar thermal collectors dropped in the U.S. in 2003, according to the Department of...

Be ready for change orders: change orders can be the best or worst thing for your profitability on a project.(Commentary)
February 1, 2005... This column originally ran in January 2002. There was a time when change orders represented a large part of a company's profit on a project. This was particularly prevalent in commercial construction, where every proposal was bid by at...

Basic truths: here are some facts about running a profitable remodeling company that may or may not be self-evident.(Commentary)
February 1, 2005... Linda Case is recovering from surgery. This month we are re-running her October 2001 column. Having worked in and around remodelers for more than 35 years now, I've put together a list of some important truths about this business I'd like...

Form an alliance: search out win-win relationships with business partners.(Commentary)
February 1, 2005... I believe there are two business disciplines that will have a big influence on the remodeling industry over the next decade. The first is pretty obvious: technology. Already, technology is affecting how we sell and communicate. Your clients may...

Starve a fever: put standards in place to ease that sick feeling clients get during a remodeling project.(Commentary)
February 1, 2005... Those of us in remodeling have experienced, at one time or another, clients' anxiety attacks. Our company likes to refer to them as "remodeling fever"--panicattacus. You know, when the client says "All is fine. No, really, it's just great,"...

Simple rewards.(Ways+Means)
February 1, 2005... In December 2003, REMODELING published "Field Cruise." a guest column by Susan Meynell, co-owner with her husband, Paul Meynell, of Acadia Post & Beam. In her commentary, Susan wrote about giving Acadia's employees and their spouses a Caribbean...

There is a free lunch.(Ways+Means)
February 1, 2005... It takes humor to tell the boss he or she is micromanaging. Yes, humor. Production manager Andy Hannah and estimator Kirk Van Kamp of Mark IV Builders in Bethesda, Md., found a non-threatening way to approach the difficult task. When owner Mark...

Point of reference.(Ways+Means)
February 1, 2005... It's always difficult to let an employee go, but it's something that can't be helped. What you don't want to have happen is an employee suing you over a reference you give a prospective employer. "The best way to prevent problems when giving...

Pick your plan.(Work+Life)
February 1, 2005... Q: My business is taking a personal toll, and I'm not sure I want to be "the boss" anymore. How do I decide to throw in the towel and work for someone else'? A: First, you have to be 100% clear regarding what you really want and don't...

Clear channels: are there communication stoppers in your business?(People+Skills)
February 1, 2005... A research study quoted in the book Developing Management Skills, by David Whetten and Kim Cameron, found that effective interpersonal communication was judged to be the most important managerial skill to master for business owners or managers...

Small historic projects.(Bottom Line)
February 1, 2005... The National Trust Small Deal Fund is a partnership between Tax Credit Capital and a subsidiary of the National Trust for Historic Preservation designed to create demand for the smaller projects (those that generate less than $2 million in...

Design aid.(Bottom Line)
February 1, 2005... Need help with logos, marketing materials, ad copy, or brochures? Elance (www.elanceonline.com) is a Web site that pairs up freelance design professionals with business owners for small design projects. "Our customer base is generally...

2005 mileage rates.(Tax Tips)
February 1, 2005... The Internal Revenue Service offers new optional standard mileage rates to use for 2005 in computing the deductible costs of operating an automobile for business, charitable, medical, or moving expense purposes. Beginning Jan. 1, 2005, the...

Homes on parade.(Sales+Marketing)
February 1, 2005... Between the muddy feet and the sticky fingers, charitable home tours make some homeowners blanch at the prospect of opening their doors to parades of strangers. Not for the clients of No Problem Builders. When the Beloit, Wis.-based remodeling...

The basics of newsletter creation.(Sales + Marketing)
February 1, 2005... Marketing experts believe it costs six to seven times as much to make a sale to a new client as it does to an existing client. Newsletters communicate effectively with past, current, and prospective clients and reinforce a remodeler's brand....

Changing identity: a new name can be tricky business.(Sales+Marketing)
February 1, 2005... The saying goes "out with the old, in with the new," but when you have spent years building the reputation that is synonymous with the name of your company, it can be a dire warning. When Mason Hearn bought out his partner two years ago and...

Carpenters welcome.(Field Notes)
February 1, 2005... In its quest to find carpenters, Bowers Construction has hosted five open houses in the past two years. The idea came from vice president John Coburn, who wanted a more personal approach for hiring. He also wanted a quicker solution because the...

Substitute teacher.(Field Notes)
February 1, 2005... Croom Construction has paired up with its subcontractors to offer in-house training for 16 superintendents. The Vero Beach, Fla., company hosts a lunch and afternoon training session every two months. David Croom asks each of his A-list subs to...

Lead carpenter system.(Field Notes)
February 1, 2005... As a company grows, the owner often chooses to cut back on field management. One alternative to managing the field operation is the lead carpenter system. The owner should consider the following positive and negative points when evaluating this...

Now hear this.(Tech@Work)
February 1, 2005... In the 1982 movie Night Shift, Michael Keaton as entrepreneur "Billy Blaze" does a funny shtick in which he leaves himself reminders on a tape recorder--"Note to self: Call Starkist." We've come a long way technologically, but the need to...

Finding your stuff.(Tech@Work)
February 1, 2005... We're dealing with so much information these days that it's become a game of hide-and-seek to find files, e-mails, photos, or Web shortcuts on our computers. Try one of these great search tools. Google Desktop Search. This has to be tried...

Profiting from discounts.(Good Form)
February 1, 2005... A new referral card serves many purposes for Case Design/Remodeling of Bethesda, Md. Not only does it help keep the company's name fresh in the minds of existing clients, it also encourages them to refer new clients at a slight discount....

Profile: Michael Watts.(Close Up)
February 1, 2005... Michael Watts of Bel Air Construction (Big50 1998) in Jarrettsville, Md., has a theory: What is measured gets improved. To that end, he uses a form to track the progress of his four project managers. He asks each of the managers to estimate the...

Second look: Colin and Heather Bester.(Close Up)
February 1, 2005... A bout a year after receiving their 2000 Big50 award, says Colin Bester, former owner of United Home Services in Chantilly, Va., "business was booming. We were doing $2 million a year and had won several awards" But life threw Colin and...

Should you test potential field employees' skills before hiring them?.(Face Off)
February 1, 2005... "Without the testing we could more easily make costly mistakes." --Kent Eberle PROVE IT We have tested all our potential field employees for years. We administer a written test, and, in addition, we ask oral questions about their...

You get what you pay for: do you charge for preconstruction services, and if so, how?(Q+A)
February 1, 2005... DAN COHEN Creative Spaces-Oakland, Calif. Big50 1991 We try our best to receive money for our services rendered, but it is based on reading the client and atmosphere and what the market will bear. We have a letter of intent...

ReadingList: a Big50 remodeler recommends a favorite business book.(Live+Learn)
February 1, 2005... Darcy Lauzier Darcy Design/Construction Framingham, Mass. Big50 2004 I needed repairing, we'd lost a serious amount of sales; I wasn't having fun anymore. I called Kristin Zhivago, author of Rivers of Revenue, on the phone....

HardKnocks: rock bottom: one remodeler learns it's best to pick his battles and take lessons from all mistakes.(Live+Learn)
February 1, 2005... Forget your ego, realize you have made a mistake, and move on." That's Jerry Liu's, of D.G. Liu Contractor, attitude about making mistakes. He embraces the idea that he is imperfect and has learned from the past that the sooner you admit you...

Second chance: a fire gives a "handi-capable" homeowner and his remodelers an opportunity to rethink how to make his house a home.(Before+After)
February 1, 2005... Homeowner John Carmean and his wife, Chris, are no newcomers to tragedy. Their daughter, Kerry, was just over a year old when a car accident in 1974 broke John's back, paralyzing him from the chest down, putting him in a wheelchair for life....

Key losses: losing an employee can throw a company into chaos. Owners share their tips on minimizing the disruption to a company and its clients.
February 1, 2005... Craig Deimler's production manager left Deimler & Sons Construction in November 2003. The person had worked in the key position for only seven months, but it took Deimler several days to undo the organizational and paperwork mess the employee...

Reality checks: remodelers are in the popular media more than ever these days. Make the exposure--the good and the bad--work for you.
February 1, 2005... Once upon a time, not too long ago, the public face of home improvement wore a beard and a plaid flannel shirt. He was Bob Vila, his show was This Old House, and he was it when it came to remodeling in the mainstream. Times have changed....

Consumer society: who is the new remodeling customer?(Reader Panel)
February 1, 2005... Most of our ReaderPanel respondents agree that today's remodeling customers are more savvy and knowledgeable--about costs, products, and what they want done--than customers have been in the past. But respondents don't necessarily agree that...

Show again: a showroom update gives this kitchen and bath remodeling company a sales boost.(Management)
February 1, 2005... When Your Kitchen & Bath Remodeling opened their new offices in 1994 in Roseburg, Ore., they added an 1,800-square-foot showroom. That showroom remained the same until recently, when owners Leon and Harriet Noel updated it with new cabinetry,...

Mastering design.(Management)
February 1, 2005... The National Kitchen & Bath Association and Kitchen+Bath Designer magazine recently presented the Masterclass Conference: Perspectives on Design, an internationally-themed education conference. The conference, sponsored by kitchen and bath...

Kitchen furniture.(Management)
February 1, 2005... Poliform, the Italian manufacturer and master of storage systems, recently introduced Bacchus, a collection of kitchen cabinetry and matching furniture. The collection, designed by Christian Liaigre, is designed to fit today's...

Software package.(Management)
February 1, 2005... Goldenseal is an integrated software program that handles estimates, job cost accounting, schedules, contract writing. and project management. Ithaca, N.Y., firm Turtle Creek, a company that started out as a construction firm that specialized...

Kitchen lighting.(Spec Book)
February 1, 2005... Whether a client wants subtle effects or a dazzling centerpiece, the latest kitchen lighting options are illuminating. Pendants are an elegant alternative to track lighting over island cooktops, as are soft spotlights in under-cabinet...

Composite segment set to grow: still only a fraction of the window market, composites are poised for success.(Windows)
February 1, 2005... Despite predictions in the late '90s that composite products were going to be a big player in the 21st century window market, composite windows have not taken off as quickly as once expected--at least not in the form of entire windows. Alan...

Hire a Pro.(Windows)
February 1, 2005... Q: Where can I look to find good help? A: I recently hired someone for an important position. I'm pleased with her potential. The odd thing is she had a good job and was happy there. I found her through an agency. Now I've griped about...

Through the roof: roofing contractors cope with price increases for just about everything.(Roofing)
February 1, 2005... Anthony Riccio, general manager of Total Roofing, in Southern California, wasn't all that surprised when a load of asphalt and rolls--everything a crew needed to do a built-up roofing job-disappeared from a site over the course of an evening....

Trim without trees.(Trends)
February 1, 2005... Plastic, wood composite, and metal trim products will see above-average gains through 2008, according to a study from industrial market research firm The Freedonia Group. The study found that although wood materials are still dominant, with...

Building blocks: acrylic and glass blocks are attractive alternatives to standard glass.(Trends)
February 1, 2005... Acrylic- and glass-block products are making a statement as shower enclosures and replacement windows in homes of all styles these days. Popular because they allow light to enter but maintain privacy, block products shine particularly brightly...

Have a seat.(Trend)
February 1, 2005... I gave it to a woman to test it yesterday, and when we showed it to her she started laughing and dancing around. People laugh, but then they say, 'That's a really good idea.'" What product inspires this kind of delight in its public? The...

No tanks.(Reader's Choice)
February 1, 2005... Remodeling older homes in Houston presents special challenges for remodeler Stephen McNiel. "We do a lot of attic conversions, where you have to find creative places to put hot water heaters," he says. That's why he's so pleased with Noritz's...

Forms with function.(Reader's Choice)
February 1, 2005... Robert Myers of Icon Remodeling in Salt Lake City likes to stay on the cutting edge when it comes to new products. He thinks that Eco Block Insulated Concrete Forms (ICF) might be the next big thing. The forms consist of expanded polystyrene...

Wall flashing details: proper flashing ensures that water that leaks behind siding drains to the outside, keeping framing and interior finishes dry.(On The Job)
February 1, 2005... GAS AND WATER LINES/CONDUIT To seal around wall penetrations, use a two-piece metal plate bedded in urethane sealant. Sheathing wrap above the metal plate should lap over the plate while sheathing wrap below it should be slipped beneath....

Flooring: the knotty look is in, but the wood still has to be high quality.(In Focus)
February 1, 2005... After years of scrapping wood that didn't make the grade--pieces with knots, pits, and other disfigurations--flooring manufacturers are now salvaging those imperfect pieces. The trend toward more rustic and country looks means that many...

GuardDog.(Worker Gear)
February 1, 2005... The Clip-On Belt Watch's oversized stainless steel clip attaches to heavy-duty or regular belts, ensuring the watch's safety as well as the wearer's comfort. The front of the watch faces the belt, so the crystal is never in danger of being...

Michelin.(Worker Gear)
February 1, 2005... The company takes their signature tire tread technology to the jobsite in this line of professional working footwear. Bidirectional treads provide traction and slip-resistance. The "Better Than Air" support system creates a built-in orthotic...

Gorgonz.(Worker Gear)
February 1, 2005... The patented Exhale Heating System in the Pro 600 Exhale glove makes warming up cold hands easy. Just breathe into the "port" on the top of the glove and an air chamber delivers the warmth to your fingers. Thinsulate insulation and flexible...

DeWalt.(Worker Gear)
February 1, 2005... The Pro Series DPG56 safety glasses offer wraparound styling and a sleek look. Side vents on the frame allow airflow, and the polycarbonate lenses provide 99.9% UV protection. The glasses meet or exceed ANSI Z87.1+, CE, CSA, and AS/NS...

Timberland.(Worker Gear)
February 1, 2005... The Titan Oxford is the latest work boot from the company's PRO line. It boasts waterproof leather, titanium steel toes, and temperature control technology. The PowerFit Comfort System's zoned insoles and flex grooves allow greater range of...

Wolverine.(Worker Gear)
February 1, 2005... Gore-Tex waterproof lining keeps feet dry inside the Buchanan work boot. Full-grain leather uppers and DuraShocks slip-resistant outsoles provide protection on rugged jobsites. Choose from 6-inch (shown) or 8-inch boot, steel-toe or soft toe,...

Gloves in a bottle.(Worker Gear)
February 1, 2005... This moisturizer bonds with the outer layer of skin to become "invisible gloves" that keep moisture-robbing irritants out while helping to retain the skin's own natural moisture, the maker says. The lotion is virtually undetectable once dry,...

CAT footwear.(Worker Gear)
February 1, 2005... Combining the durability of a work boot with the feel of an athletic shoe, the iTechnology series features a hard-wearing outsole and Goodyear well construction for strength and resilience combined with an athletic heel cradle for all-day...

Bilsom.(Worker Gear)
February 1, 2005... The company recently redesigned the Leightning noise-blocking earmuffs to combine maximum protection and contemporary design with modern stereo headset-styled earcups. The sturdy steel headband is padded with foam for comfort, and telescoping...

Duluth Trading Co.(Worker Gear)
February 1, 2005... Designed just like cargo pants, Souped Up Sweatpants are ideal to work in, says the maker. Compartments include a cell phone pocket, a cargo pocket for tools or a wallet, two rear zip pockets, and two utility straps. The knees have a dual...

TEC.(Caulks, Sealants, & Adhesives)
February 1, 2005... HydraFlex Waterproofing and Crack Isolation Membrane is a mold--and mildew-resistant membrane suitable for use on walls, floors, and ceilings. Tile-ready two to three hours after application, the membrane can also be used over green concrete...

OSI sealants.(Caulks, Sealants, & Adhesives)
February 1, 2005... Polyseamseal All-Purpose Adhesive Caulk now comes in "The Mini," a 4-ounce resealable tube that's easy to keep handy for quick fixes. It creates a flexible, water-resistant seal that is guaranteed not to crack or peel when cured, the maker...

Phenoseal.(Caulks, Sealants, & Adhesives)
February 1, 2005... Do It Clear is an acrylic latex caulk that cures clear. It boasts a watertight seal and superior flexibility, as well as UV- and mildew-resistance. The caulk can be used to seal around tubs and showers, windows and doors, sinks, and other...

Sashco.(Caulks, Sealants, & Adhesives)
February 1, 2005... Engineered to accommodate natural house movement, Big Stretch water-based caulking stretches over 500% and can span gaps up to 2 inches wide. Available in nine colors, the caulking can be used to seal windows, doors, siding, vents, soffits,...

DAP.(Caulks, Sealants, & Adhesives)
February 1, 2005... DAPtex Plus Window & Door Foam Sealant promises to perform as well as polyurethane foam without the application hassles. The latex-based sealant washes off skin and surfaces with soap and water and doesn't over-expand. It meets the American...

Werner ladder.(First Look)
February 1, 2005... Telescoping design and a variety of styles makes the new family of Multiladders a versatile addition to any contractor's arsenal. Each can convert into a number of different positions. The MT Series Multiladder can be used as a twin stepladder,...

Signamark.(First Look)
February 1, 2005... Designed to take advantage of higher ceilings, the Grandeur Series of interior doors are 8 feet tall and feature decorative Trinity Glass in unique designs. Nine models are offered, including 1-, 12-, and 18-light, as well as more elaborate...

Lenox.(First Look)
February 1, 2005... Gold Reciprocating Saw Blades promise to be the longest-lasting blades ever. The bimetal blades feature a patented tooth design and unique coating. Independent tests show that the blades last more than twice as long as others on the market,...

Wobble Light.(First Look)
February 1, 2005... The Wobble Light wobbles but it won't fall down! Its counter-weighted design ensures that it will right itself when pushed or knocked over, and its durable plastic housing and polycarbonate dome protect it from breakage. A floating shock system...

Ethan Allen.(First Look)
February 1, 2005... The company moves into another room of the house with its line of bathroom vanities. The seven styles offered feature marble or stone veneer tops and porcelain or antique brass sinks. Complementary hardware and accessories are also available...

Flooring.(Special Advertising Section)(Advertisement)
February 1, 2005... Flooring is not simply a walking surface--it is a key design element in any home, and its functional requirements change from room to room. Kitchens and baths call for more solid, durable surfaces that can stand up to use and abuse, while...

Direct your costs: most of what production managers do can be pegged to a particular job. Why not put these costs above the line?(Bench Mark)
February 1, 2005... Last fall we began collecting data for our Cost of Doing Business Report, which will appear in our March issue. The NAHB research team collected the data but found that they had to spend a lot of time on follow-up calls to clarify the methods...