Remodeling articles from June 2002

Remodeling archives from June 2002

Don't take this personally. (First Word).
June 1, 2002... Any industry consultant will tell you that most small remodeling companies are undercapitalized. When they fail, the experts tell us, it's not from lack of profit, but from lack of cash. I won't argue with the lack-of-cash theory. It's easy to...

Break the habits. (CallBack).
June 1, 2002... Thanks for your April editorial ("Those Bad Good Habits," page 11). Not only did you hit the nail on the head with this one, you also presented it in such a way that I think will have maximum impact. I know that you caught my attention. I have...

Correction.
June 1, 2002... In the News & Notes section of the May 2002 issue, we incorrectly described generic gypsum wallboard using the term Sheetrock, which is the trade name of USG Corporation. The intent of the story was to describe the novel and allegedly felonious...

Consulting firm shafts remodelers. (News+Notes).
June 1, 2002... Several small businesses that hired the services of Chicago-area consulting firm IPA have cried foul, accusing the company of overcharging for substandard advice and of making harassing phone calls to collect payments. Inc. magazine broke...

New subcontractor info resource. (News+Notes).
June 1, 2002... Contractors have a new educational resource available online at www .contractorsknowledgenetwork.org. Sponsored by the Foundation of the American Subcontractors Association (FASA), the Contractors' Knowledge Network consists of four parts. The...

Poor management a liability "Risk Driver". (News+Notes).
June 1, 2002... Resign firms can significantly improve their protection from liability by "improving their practice management skills," according to a study by insurance program provider DPIC Companies. The "Risk Drivers" study examined over 17,000 claims...

Remodeling Hall of Fame. (News+Notes).
June 1, 2002... The NAHB Remodelors Council announced the first six inductees to its new National Remodeling Hall of Fame. The council's board of trustees chose Jud Motsenbocker of Muncie, Ind., Bryan Patchan of Washington, D.C., and Walt Stoeppelwerth of...

Jury awards Marvin millions. (News+Notes).
June 1, 2002... A federal jury found that a wood preservative sold to Marvin Windows by PPG Industries did not prevent rot as advertised and ordered PPG to pay $135.8 million in damages, the New York Times reported. The verdict is another chapter in the...

Strong showing. (Market Watch).
June 1, 2002... REMODELING MARKET INDEX The first quarter of 2002 showed gains in all categories that contribute to the NAHB's quarterly Remodeling Market Index (RMI). The reading for current market conditions went up 7 points, and the reading for future...

High end spread: design/build has always been associated with the high end of the market. Expect that to change. (Commentary).
June 1, 2002... For the past 20 years, the most lucrative remodeling segment has been, not surprisingly, the high end--that is, the wealthiest tenth of the population. Most contractors selling to this market have used the design/build approach to customize...

Draw the big picture: as remodeling companies get larger, they need new and more consistent ways of managing and communicating with employees. (Commentary).
June 1, 2002... When I consult with remodeling companies, I often recommend the same action to cure many of their ills. And often they report major improvements when they follow this relatively simple advice. The problem? Many companies have outgrown their...

Supporting roles: there's no magic number or formula to tell you when to add production staff. Your budget and your priorities need to dictate your hiring decisions. (Commentary).
June 1, 2002... My company, Remodeling Designs, started in 1990 as a part-time business. We've grown considerably in the past dozen years, crossing the $1 million annual sales mark in 1999 and launching a Case Handyman franchise the year after that. Last year,...

The breakfast club: sponsoring a breakfast for subs got one contractor lots of feedback. (Ways+Means).
June 1, 2002... Subcontractors play a key role in helping Gaspar's Construction in Seattle get its jobs built. At Gaspar's, trade contractors usually do anywhere from 60% to 70% of the work on a project, and sometimes even more. "We don't even do the...

Take the plunge: boost your markup. (Ways+Means).
June 1, 2002... When Vermont remodeler Gary Crowley decided to shift his pricing from a 15% markup on materials to a straight 50% markup on materials and labor eight years ago, he was afraid his closing rate would drop to nothing. It did drop, but it...

Handy change orders. (Ways+Means).
June 1, 2002... Gary Nash, owner of Nash Construction in Marshall, Va., found out the hard way that his company was giving away work. That happened in 1997, when he was visiting a completed project and the clients began to praise the lead carpenter...

Courage to retreat. (Ways+Means).
June 1, 2002... Last August, Gardner/Fox, a design/ build remodeling company in Bryn Mawr, Pa., hired a consulting firm to take the company through a procedure known as process mapping. Process mapping defines a company's functions then organizes them into a...

How to read a balance sheet (Part 1). (BottomLine).
June 1, 2002... A balance sheet shows the effect of all financial decisions. The "bottom line" of all those decisions adds up to "owner's equity," the true measure of the company's value. Equity is the difference between assets--all that a company owns--and...

Paying estimated taxes. (Tax Tips).
June 1, 2002... Quarterly estimated tax payments must amount to either 90% of the current year's tax obligation or 100% of the previous year's. Otherwise, penalties and interest average about 14% of the unpaid balance. The best approach is to project...

Calculating lead costs. (Sales+Marketing).
June 1, 2002... Dave Yoho Associates offers a template to calculate lead costs. Using a home show booth marketing effort as an example (costs would include registration, delivery, the display, time to man the booth, and giveaways), walk through the steps...

Predicting future marketing dollars. (Sales+Marketing).
June 1, 2002... How do you predict future sales? And how, in turn, do you budget for the marketing campaign that will drive increased sales? There are a few rules of thumb that will help you plot for growth. History is the best and safest indicator of the...

Release the publicity hounds. (Sales+Marketing).
June 1, 2002... Publicity--information about you or your company featured in stories circulated through communication channels like newspaper, radio, and/or television--is one of the most effective forms of marketing. When you are highlighted in one of these...

10 tips homegrown leads. (Sales+Marketing).
June 1, 2002... Leads have to come from somewhere. They're the foundation of business. One of the best lead generation systems is your own database. Here are 10 tips for keeping one. Use simple, versatile software (for example, Microsoft Access or...

X-ray vision: documenting construction work saves this remodeler time and aggravation. (FieldNotes).
June 1, 2002... Many remodelers take before and after pictures, but Rick Hjelm of Phase II General Contractor, Lakewood, Wash., goes one further and covers the during-project action. Specifically, he and his crew take digital images of open walls right before...

The labor shortage. (FieldNotes).
June 1, 2002... At first, carpentry skills were passed down from generation to generation. Then unions developed training programs. Now, most training is for commercial work and many trade schools are closing due to a lack of applicants. What can you do about...

Where's my allowance? Do you offer a tool allowance to your employees? (Field Notes).
June 1, 2002... Q+A DANNY FEIG-SANDOVAL owner, Small Carpenters At Large Atlanta No. We don't offer a tool allowance, but when an employee needs a tool, we will buy it and work out a reasonable payment schedule for paying for it as a payroll...

Drawing board/hog heaven. (By Design).
June 1, 2002... When clients approached Andy Fusia about building a second garage on their home to house their motorcycles, the owner of Aurora Home Improvement in Cumming, Ga., saw an opportunity. Faced with the fact that no one wants their house to look like...

Presto change-o. (Tech@Work).
June 1, 2002... What if there was a way to show your prospects a picture of their project before you bid it? All it takes is a digital photo, an inexpensive 3D CAD program like 3D Home Architect ($40, www.broderbund.com), and a good image editor like Paint...

Logging hours by phone. (Tech@Work).
June 1, 2002... A St. Louis remodeler's field crew is turning in hours by Nextel phone, eliminating paper timesheets and adding minutes to the workday that normally might be used to bring timesheets to the office. The program, AirHours (www.airhours.com),...

Shopping for a PDA. (Tech@Work).
June 1, 2002... Thinking about buying a PDA (personal digital assistant)? Michael O'Doherty, a network engineer with Horizon Data Corp. of Reston, Va., suggests you ask yourself 10 questions: 1. Why do I want a PDA? 2. How will I use it'? 3. What...

Profile: Kelly Wright. (Close Up).
June 1, 2002... When he was named Big50 in 1991, 90% of Kelly Wright's work was remodeling. Now Wright Brothers Builders, Westport, Conn., is equally split between remodeling work and building custom homes. Why the change? To serve his sophisticated and...

Second look. (Big50: Close Up).
June 1, 2002... Tim Carter Soon after being named to the REMODELING Big50 in 1993, Tim Carter stopped doing home remodeling to concentrate on his new career as a columnist. Within nine months, his "Ask the Builder" column was appearing in 30 papers, and...

Should I run a niche or a full-service business? (Face Off).
June 1, 2002... "Our niche helps us define the production and internal processes.... It also helps us determine how a job is costed, how we follow up, how quickly an estimate should be completed, and how quickly a job should be closed out"--Brent Bowthorpe ...

Standing behind your work: how do you take care of and schedule warranty work? (Solutions).
June 1, 2002... MARY JO SCHLEIS Bartelt/Filo Design/Build Remodel Milwaukee Big50 1998 When we have warranty work, it's handled through the expeditor or through the company owners. Generally clients contact us with their problem, and as a courtesy...

Remodeling before + after: a team: fire prompts a remodel that overcomes all the elements of disaster: distance, family ties, and multiple players.
June 1, 2002... Disaster provoked it. And at the outset, disaster could have been scrawled all over the remodel of this rustic 1970s A-frame. But in the end, the "A Team" proved the exception to the rule. And instead of tearing the place down and starting...

Tools for sale: the right presentation materials and systems can truly distinguish your company.
June 1, 2002... Remodelers tend to waste a lot of time chasing leads that end up going with the low bid from the guy working out of his garage. Sometimes that's just the type of person the client is, and all you can do is improve your qualification process....

Kowtowing to the contractor: Smart suppliers are targeting remodelers and trying to fill their special needs.
June 1, 2002... Ed Roskowinski, co-owner and general manager of Vujovich Design/Build in Minneapolis, wants three things from a supplier. First, the products he needs but either doesn't know about or can't find. Second, a wide variety of products to choose...

Rescue mission: the remodel of a Seattle-area home adds a spectacular kitchen and bath and makes the most of panoramic views.
June 1, 2002... Although the building boom of the past two decades captures all the media attention these days, we're also more quietly contending with the results of earlier ones. So many undistinguished houses of the '50s, '60s, and '70s tarnish the...

At your service: great customer service means more than providing a completed project. Read on to learn about the specific practices five remodelers have in place to ensure fantastic service and what their clients think of them.
June 1, 2002... REMODELERS: Jerry Levine and Bruce Wentworth, Wentworth-Levine Architect-Builder, Silver Spring, Md. Jerry Levine and his production managers meet with clients every two weeks or more during a remodeling job. "The meetings keep small...

Package deals: standard bath packages provide remodelers with a strong base for selling up. (Management).
June 1, 2002... Fast and efficient remodeling appeals to the segment of the market that is looking for an updated look but not a custom design. Tim Britton of Tim Britton Construction Services, Falls Creek, Pa., offers a standard bath that includes replacing...

A fitting place. (Details).
June 1, 2002... When Gilday Design & Remodeling in Silver Spring, Md., finished designing a three-story addition to the back of their clients' house, the homeowners were thrilled that they would have more room. But they were puzzled about where to place a...

Sit in the corner. (Details).
June 1, 2002... In this historic 1860s house, as with many historic houses in Charleston, the only place to fit a powder room was under the stairs. But it was a tight fit--the space measured 32 by 63 inches. To make it work, designer Duval Acker, co-owner of...

Kitchen ventilation and range hoods. (Specbook).
June 1, 2002... The latest range hoods and kitchen ventilation products are sleek and stylish, crafted in finishes and shapes that blend well with popular stainless steel appliances. Graceful arcs, glass accents, and brass trim highlight the latest...

Service expectations high for window suppliers: a quality product and timely delivery are only the first items on the list of what remodelers want from window suppliers. (Windows).
June 1, 2002... Ray Ferraro of All Trades Contracting in Clinton, N.J., has a long list of what he looks for in a window supplier. Specifically, the owner of the $1.5 million remodeling company specializing in kitchens and baths wants the following: * A...

Fit for trim: the lack of practical and affordable accessory options for fiber-cement siding may be holding that market back. (Siding).
June 1, 2002... Earlier this year, Bill Conforti, president of Siding-1 Inc. and Windows-1 Inc. in Chicago attended several seminars on fiber-cement siding. Like many companies that install primarily vinyl, Siding 1 is interested in adding fiber cement to...

Turn "get backs" to greenbacks. (Siding).
June 1, 2002... Q: How do you respond to, "We'll get back with you"? A: When prospects say, "No, we like someone else better," or "No, that's too expensive," at least we know what we have to do to get a Yes. But, "We'll get back with you"? Ouch! The best...

Long live linoleum. (Trends).
June 1, 2002... If the word linoleum conjures up memories of Mrs. Cleaver for you, you're probably not alone. But despite an image of an old fashioned product that is often incorrectly mistaken for uncoated vinyl, linoleum is starting to catch on big in the...

New alternatives. (Trends).
June 1, 2002... On February 12 the EPA announced its voluntary decision, in cooperation with treatment manufacturers, to phase out the use of chromated copper arsenate (CCA) in lumber by December 31, 2003. CCA, currently the most commonly used wood...

Value added. (Trends).
June 1, 2002... Get your client to spend more on a grander entry door and you could increase the home's curb appeal by more than you may think. Therma-Tru, manufacturers of fiberglass entry doors, recently commissioned a study by an independent research firm...

Window of opportunity. (Reader's Choice).
June 1, 2002... With a great deal of his projects requiring historic preservation, Steve George appreciates the ability of Marvin Windows and Doors to custom make each window, allowing for an authentic look with modem performance. "Marvin's process is they...

Dial up. (Reader's Choice).
June 1, 2002... Matt Le Vesque's most useful tool is the one that keeps him in contact with suppliers, subcontractors, and his family: his Nextel cellular phone. "I receive all my calls directly or I forward calls to my phone" says Le Vesque. "I have several...

Protect and serve. (Reader's Choice).
June 1, 2002... After trying other ways to protect his clients' floors during construction, Michael Bozzo saw an advertisement for Pro-Tect. "It not only protects all carpet grades--residential, commercial, and industrial--from dirt, spills, and traffic...

Alternative decking: composite decking manufacturers beef up their offerings with wood-look colors. (Infocus).
June 1, 2002... With a 6% to 8% share of the decking market, composites and other plastic wood alternatives still have a long way to go. But with more manufacturers unveiling wood lookalikes that promise the maintenance-free lifestyle homeowners crave, the...

Trex. (Alternative Decking).
June 1, 2002... The company's wood-plastic composite decking line is now available in Saddle, a deep tan color that will weather slightly while maintaining rich tones. The decking also comes in Natural, Winchester Grey, Woodland Brown, and reddish-brown...

Weyerhaeuser. (Alternative Decking).
June 1, 2002... ChoiceDek Plus is manufactured with a compound of oak wood fiber and recycled polyethylene, offering low-maintenance, moisture-resistance, and a natural wood-look tone. The material, which has a textured surface, can be cut and installed with...

TimberTech. (Alternative Decking).
June 1, 2002... The composite decking line is available in Natural, Grey, and Cedar. Made of recycled wood and virgin plastic, the decking offers the look of wood but will not rot, warp, splinter, or decay. (800) 307-7780. www.timbertech.com. Circle 131. ...

LP. (Alternative Decking).
June 1, 2002... WeatherBest composite decking, now available in Basic, Select, and Premium lines, cuts, drills, and fastens like wood but will not crack, splinter, or split. WeatherBest Premium features reversible boards in Western Redwood (shown), Driftwood...

Nexwood. (Alternative Decking).
June 1, 2002... Composite decking is crafted with a patented extrusion process that combines plastic and cellulose, offering the look and stiffness of wood and the insect-resistance and low moisture absorption of plastic. The CoreTech design allows the planks...

Sun Tunnel. (Skylights & Sunrooms).
June 1, 2002... The company's tubular skylights can now be installed in less than two hours with a Snap-Ring assembly system that eliminates several steps while improving the overall performance of the unit. The installation system is available for both the...

ODL. (Skylights & Sunrooms).
June 1, 2002... Solar Flair tubular skylights are available in 10- and 14-inch units with one-piece flashing systems that eliminate roof leakage, the maker says. The product's Solar Lens dome is scratch resistant. (800) 253-3900. www.odl.com. Circle no. 136....

Renaissance Conservatories. (Skylights & Sunrooms).
June 1, 2002... The Revival Series includes 15 authentic period conservatory designs that can be individually customized. The wood-framed units feature sealed mortise-and-tenon joinery, concealed structural supports, stainless steel and brass fasteners,...

Velux. (Skylights & Sunrooms).
June 1, 2002... The Impact FCM is the first insulated skylight to meet the latest building code requirements for hurricane-prone areas in the United States, the firm says. The unit is easy to install and works with all sizes of site-built curbs and will accept...

Solatube. (Skylights & Sunrooms).
June 1, 2002... The company offers a ventilation fan as an add-on feature for its 10-inch tubular skylight. The unit includes a twin fan/motor with opposing rotation to overcome static pressure and increase airflow speed and volume, the maker says. (800)...

American Conservatory Systems. (Skylights & Sunrooms).
June 1, 2002... All-vinyl conservatories are factory pre-built to ensure problem-free installation, the maker says. The units feature low-E glass, European-style polycarbonate roof components, and French doors. They carry a lifetime warranty. (888) 822-2485....

Patio Enclosures. (Skylights & Sunrooms).
June 1, 2002... The company has re-engineered its Comfortview insulated room enclosures, including a dual-point locking system with top and bottom latching, a secondary night latch, wiring and cable raceways, new hardware, and stronger door comers. The door...

Joyce Mfg. (Skylights & Sunrooms).
June 1, 2002... The Leisure Room 3000 all-season vinyl sunroom features in-swing windows and a multi-point locking system. The units, which are available in a range of styles and colors, are dent and scratch resistant, never need to be painted, and will not...

Thermal-Gard. (Skylights & Sunrooms).
June 1, 2002... Three-season patio rooms are custom manufactured using any combination of windows and sliding doors. The room's patented header support gives it more strength and allows for multi-pitch and center-support strength. The rooms include 3-inch...

PGT. (Skylights & Sunrooms).
June 1, 2002... NatureScape patio rooms feature Eze-Breeze floor-to-ceiling sliding panels that glide up and down to open up 75% of the window area. The units feature aluminum frames and come in white, bronze, and almond. Studio- and gable-style rooms are...

Temco. (Fireplaces).
June 1, 2002... New to the Prestige Series of vent-free fireplaces and log sets, the ADCH39 F firebox measures 36 inches wide by 28 inches high. The unit's construction allows for wider and deeper hearths without changing the framing dimensions. It includes a...

Walter Moberg. (Fireplaces).
June 1, 2002... Designed to fit in the company's Modern Rumford fireplace, the Lodge Series gas log set offers realistic looks with flames that rise as much as 30 inches and encircle the logs and a hearth effect of burning coals. The logs are available from 26...

Vermont Castings. (Fireplaces).
June 1, 2002... The DVHVAC36 combines a direct-vent fireplace with an air filter and circulating blower that works along with an optional air conditioner. The unit operates with a 24-volt thermostat. An optional mantel cabinet with front access door is...

Napoleon. (Fireplaces).
June 1, 2002... The GDIZC zero clearance direct vent gas insert combines the smallest insert in its class with more than 400 square inches of viewing area. The unit provides 20,000 BTUs of heat and is 85% efficient. It includes concealed control compartments,...

Regency. (Fireplaces).
June 1, 2002... The Excalibur P90 direct-vent fireplace features a flush front, a realistic-looking log set, brick-panel floor, and a variable-speed thermostatic blower. The arch surround is available in black or gold. Optional features include single or...

Heatilator. (Fireplaces).
June 1, 2002... The industry's largest wood-burning fireplace, the I100 unit offers a 50-by-33-inch opening. The unit comes with a brick or herringbone refractory, a choice of fully framed vintage iron glass doors or traditional DM glass doors, and a...

Martin Fireplaces. (Fireplaces).
June 1, 2002... The company is enhancing its DV5500H direct-vent fireplaces with a 45-degree design that allows for either horizontal venting through the wall or vertical venting through the roof. The units are heater-rated for efficiency, feature a louver...

Heat-N-Glo. (Fireplaces).
June 1, 2002... The Gateway is the first B-vent fireplace that can be vented vertically or horizontally, allowing it to be installed anywhere in the home, the maker says. The fireplace features Intellifire technology, which includes an ignition system that...

Lennox. (Fireplaces).
June 1, 2002... Spectra direct-vent fireplaces feature Spectra Flame burner technology, which offers 41,000 BTUs per hour at 72% heating efficiency. Available in 36- or 41-inch-wide openings, the units come with a brickaded firebox interior for a weathered...

Aladdin Hearth Products. (Fireplaces).
June 1, 2002... The 4100i wood-burning fireplace insert features a glass door with three panes and cast iron trim. The 2.5-cubic-foot firebox includes the company's Quadra-Fire Advanced Combustion Technology, which burns smoke in four zones, reducing...

Skytech Systems. (Fireplaces).
June 1, 2002... Designed for gas fireplaces and stoves, the 3001 PF programmable remote control features a two-hour out-of-range shutoff and a learning feature for replacement controls. The controls operate on radio-frequency control, allowing operation within...

Republic Windows & Doors. (First Look).
June 1, 2002... Classic II vinyl windows feature Super-G warm-edge insulated glass, fusion welded construction with metal reinforcement, night vent latches, double-wall lift rail, and concealed window locks. A range of customizable options is available for...

M&S Systems. (First Look).
June 1, 2002... Centered around a digital network hub, the MC2000 home audio system includes localized room stations, allowing users to listen to different music sources simultaneously. The unit supports tapes, CDs, radio, or MP3 files and includes an intercom...

Cultured Stone. (First Look).
June 1, 2002... The Coral Stone wall veneer replicates the look of endangered coral reef stones, with a surface texture of fossil and coral patterns. Stones come in 10 sizes, varying from 3 1/4 to 14 1/2 inches in height and from 7 to 22 inches in length....

Water-Right. (First Look).
June 1, 2002... Designed specifically for homes with wells, the dual-purpose Sanitizer Water Conditioner conditions problem well water and disinfects the entire system. The system's chlorine generator creates controlled amounts of chlorine to safely sanitize...

Robern. (First Look).
June 1, 2002... Inspired by the Art Modeme movement of the '30s and '40s, the Metallique framed medicine cabinet features clean, simple lines. The unit, which comes in polished chrome or brushed nickel, measures 30 by 20 inches, with an interior depth of 4...

Maytag. (First Look).
June 1, 2002... The first dishwasher in the industry to offer three racks, the Jetclean II includes a FlexLoad third rack that is flat and prongless, providing space for large and oddly shaped items like broiler pans and cookie sheets. The top two racks are...