Remodeling articles from May 2005

Remodeling archives from May 2005

Big deal.(View Point: First Word)
May 1, 2005... This is the twentieth year REMODELING has devoted its May issue to honoring the incoming class of the Big50. Each year, the search begins just after Labor Day, when the call for nominations goes out. Remodelers can nominate themselves, but most...

Gassed! A meteoric rise in fuel prices has remodelers scrambling.(ViewPoint: News+Notes)
May 1, 2005... According to the Energy Information Administration (EIA), the average price for a gallon of gasoline this month will be $2.35. That's an increase of 37 cents from over a year ago, and up 6 cents from mid-April. And as pump prices have been...

Getting green.(ViewPoint: News+Notes)
May 1, 2005... Starting this past January, contractors on the Eastern seaboard had to adjust to new products, or new versions of old products, thanks to regulations that reduced the allowable limits of volatile organic compounds (VOCs). VOCs are found in...

Shoe-in candidates.(ViewPoint: News+Notes)
May 1, 2005... A contest run by the Red Wing Shoe Co. will honor one of this country's most overlooked assets: craftsmen. The search for America's Master Tradesmen began on Feb. 21, and nominations will remain open through June 30. According to a Red...

Sweet deal: home improvement financing is poised to benefit remodelers in several profitable ways over the next five years.(Commentary)
May 1, 2005... Home improvement financing in the remodeling market is starting to gain momentum, but it's still a small part of the overall picture. Some of the most recent numbers I've seen show that two-thirds of full-scale remodeling projects are paid for...

On budgets: a budget is one of the strongest tools you have to manage your company to the profit level you want to achieve.(Commentary)
May 1, 2005... We're now five months into the year and if you don't have a Plan for Profit (less glamorously known as a budget), let's get it done. If you do have a budget, you may be able to take it to the next level and find it even more useful. A budget is...

People are your greatest assets: many remodelers merely talk the talk about being dedicated to their employees.(Commentary)
May 1, 2005... Most modelers are positive about their employees. When asked about their success, they'll say, "I have a great team" or "What sets me apart is my people." But I like to ask a follow-up question: "If your people are that important to your...

Get a grip on tools: with more women entering the industry, manufacturers should get a handle on proportion.(Commentary)
May 1, 2005... As a woman in our industry, I share with many of my male colleagues the pleasure of a job well done using power tools. I thought my generously sized Midwestern hands would take well to everything from a reciprocating saw to a power drill;...

Decisions, decisions.(Your Business: Ways+Means)
May 1, 2005... Suppose your client at the last minute asks your painter to use different paint. Does the painter have to call the of rice, or have you empowered him or her to make that decision? If you're an employee at Mark IV Builders, Bethesda, Md.,...

Break it down to build it up.(Your Business: Ways+Means)
May 1, 2005... It didn't make sense to Craig Durosko of Sun Design Remodeling Specialists in Northern Virginia to do an "autopsy only on a job on which something went wrong." His company does a "job debrief' on every job, 30 days after it's been paid in full....

Take note.(Your Business: Ways+Means)
May 1, 2005... Something as simple as a low-tech note can often save a lot of trouble. To communicate with busy clients, Bob Fleming of Classic Remodeling & Construction in Charleston, S.C., uses a project log, a standard ring binder kept on site that...

Avoiding fines and penalties.(By Law)
May 1, 2005... One of my clients framed his company's first contract: "We will wire your house for $125.00." In today's legal environment, that note would subject him to criminal penalties. Most lawmakers have concluded that homeowners need protection from...

Holding employees accountable: employees can't take responsibility if they don't know what's expected of them.(People+Skills)
May 1, 2005... A common desire among company owners is to "hold their employees accountable." Typically this means making sure that each person is doing their job well and taking responsibility when the results are not met. Tim Schaffer, president of...

Taking care of business.(Your Business: Bottom Line)
May 1, 2005... When Candi and Troy Hilton closed their remodeling company to move to another state, they wanted to make sure clients from their eight years in business were protected. Candi talked to their insurance agent and found out about...

Group mentality.(Your Business: Bottom Line)
May 1, 2005... The MaxEquity buying group negotiates with manufacturers and retailers to provide rebates to remodelers based on their purchases. President Bob Sayre is a remodeler who decided to do something about the difficulty contractors have in competing...

Wish you were our client.(Your Business: Sales+Marketing)
May 1, 2005... Home Equity Builders (HEB) maintains a constant and upbeat presence in the minds of homeowners in affluent Great Falls and McLean, Va. Thanks to the postcards in their mailboxes, residents know HEB is local, wins awards, and does high-end...

Communicate!(Your Business: Sales+Marketing)
May 1, 2005... Effective communication is your single best means of getting referrals and repeat business. These five common courtesies are easy and will gain you priceless good will: * Return calls promptly. No one likes to feel they're being ignored....

News they can use.(Your Business: Sales+Marketing)
May 1, 2005... Newsletters are a friendly and cost-effective way to keep your company in the forefront of clients' and prospects' minds. What's not so easy is finding the time or expertise to write, design, print, and mail a newsletter. Here's a snapshot of...

Setting the stage: remodeler John DeCiantis explains how his company uses pipe staging to safely complete exterior work.(Your Business: Field Notes)
May 1, 2005... We were faced with the challenge of accessing 30-foot walls for an exterior restoration of a seacoast village home built in the late 1800s. The daredevil method would have been to to use pump jacks on the first two floors and stand in the wood...

Lead carpenter planning time.(Your Business: Field Notes)
May 1, 2005... After the transfer of information from sales to production, the lead carpenter should spend time setting up the job, both in his mind and on paper. Use a checklist. A detailed checklist will keep the lead on track and ensure nothing is...

Drawing a fee.(Your Business: By Design)
May 1, 2005... When you first begin charging for design, the fee is often seen as more of a client's commitment than a profit maker. "When you look at your efficiency in doing the design and moving the client through effectively," says Mark Richardson of Case...

Can't touch that.(Your Business: By Design)
May 1, 2005... Michael Cavanaugh's client wanted access to the garage from her house via a covered walkway. This seems simple on the surface, except zoning requirements stipulate the garage is a non-conforming structure that can't be enlarged, altered, or...

Transfer able.(Your Business: Tech@Work)
May 1, 2005... The idea of losing data has probably kept some people from contemplating a new computer. Fear not; it isn't that difficult to transfer files. With a server: Put data you want to transfer into folders so you don't have hundreds of files....

An integrated front end.(Your Business: Tech@Work)
May 1, 2005... I recently took an in-depth look at Compu-Tool, one of the most focused "front-end" systems--not surprising, because it was developed largely for Alure (www.alure.com), one of the largest remodelers in the United States. If you're ready to step...

Mind the gap: a North Carolina team of investor, contractor, and architect proves that the sum is greater than its parts.(Remodeling: Before+After)
May 1, 2005... Desiree MacSorley purchased two adjacent 1930s houses in an up-and-coming commercial neighborhood as an investment. The landscape architect had begun developing small projects and saw these houses as an excellent opportunity to join in the...

Sweat the small stuff: losing a sale can be as easy as dissing the cat.
May 1, 2005... On the one hand it seems that sales call etiquette is merely common sense. On the other, it seems that sales calls can be pretty easy to mess up. Does that mean salespeople lack common sense? "Guys have not been trained in sales etiquette. The...

Engineering the client experience: some aspects of jobs are beyond your control. The clients' expectations are not.
May 1, 2005... Self-described remodeling neophytes Susan Parker and Ed Hynes "lived to rue the day" they almost hired another contractor instead of Greg Antonioli. The Boston-area couple, a college professor and a library director, had a substantial project...

Big50.(Cover Story)
May 1, 2005... Every year we search the country for remodelers who distinguish themselves by outperforming their best competitors. We look for firms with top-notch business acumen, outstanding customer service, a financially strong foundation, and exciting...

Show and sell: opening a showroom and adding sales staff provided remodeler Jon Vogel the springboard he needed to expand.(Kitchen+Bath: Management)
May 1, 2005... A few years ago, Robbinsville, N.J.-based Jon Vogel was selling about $1.5 million in projects and working 75 hours a week. He wanted to expand New Outlooks Construction but knew he couldn't do it with just himself as the only salesperson. From...

Bath stone.(Kitchen+Bath: Management)
May 1, 2005... Designer Julie Palmacci of Macci Design came up with the idea for this rustic bath vanity for a client, and remodeler Scott McCollum of McCollum & Associates in Dallas executed the design. The countertop rests on carved limestone bases from...

Going green.(Kitchen+Bath: Management)
May 1, 2005... Hank Kasindorf, president of Eco Finishes, a distributor of green flooring in Virginia, shares his expertise on the two most popular green flooring materials in his area: bamboo and cork. "Both products have a unique look. Homeowners choose...

Moen.(Sinks: This year's designs run from country to current.)
May 1, 2005... The Lancelot stainless steel sink is now offered in a double equal D shape. The satin-finish bowls are 10 inches deep to accommodate large pots and pans, and the sink is offered in both undermount and drop-in styles. Other sinks in the line...

Kallista.(Sinks: This year's designs run from country to current.)
May 1, 2005... The For Country single basin kitchen sink is reminiscent of early 20th century farm sinks. Featuring a tall, integrated backsplash, the roomy sink comes in two earthy colors: Green Terazzo and black Nero Tanzania. Faucets are available in...

CorStone.(Sinks: This year's designs run from country to current.)
May 1, 2005... The design of the Harmony sink makes it ideal for tight corners. The double-bowl sink comes in self-rim or undermount styles and features a center-mounted faucet deck. Non-porous, the surface offers high scratch-, stain-, and heat-resistance,...

Rohl.(Sinks: This year's designs run from country to current.)
May 1, 2005... The RC1600 above-counter sink adds a uniquely charming touch to the bathroom. Made of vitreous china, the bowl is available in white or biscuit and offers a 16-inch diameter and a 6 7/8-inch bowl depth with an integrated overflow. Here it is...

Blanco.(Sinks: This year's designs run from country to current.)
May 1, 2005... Handcrafted from a single panel of 18-gauge, 304 series stainless steel, the Blanco precision series sink boasts zero radius comer, side, and bottom seams that create crisp, sharp lines. Other features include extra bowl depth, rear drain...

Replacing the slab.(Replacement: Siding)
May 1, 2005... The door slab, that is. "It's an easy fix in this market," says Henry Wallace, of Titan Interiors, a family-owned remodeling firm in Athens, Ga. "People often don't notice how bland the doors look until you point them out." The kicker is...

Three's a crowd: Phil Rea.(Replacement: Siding)
May 1, 2005... Q: Why do people feel they have to get three bids, and should I attempt to talk the customer out of that? A: Prospects think they need to get three bids (ugh, I hate that word) because everything they read concerning how to choose a...

Critical connections: inspecting a deck is both an opportunity and a precaution.(Replacement: Decks)
May 1, 2005... Each summer party season brings a fresh crop of news about deck failures, some of which have ended in severe injury or even death. "These reports send a chill down my spine," says deck builder Dennis McCurdy, of Littleton, Colo. "What if that...

Forms with function.(Products: Trends)
May 1, 2005... hat if you could build a safe room or other addition that snaps together like Legos and has built-in soundproofing and insulation? Many remodelers are doing just that with insulated concrete forms (ICFs). The forms consist of either expanded...

Copper tops: copper roofs are durable, lightweight, and attractive.(Products: Trends)
May 1, 2005... Copper is in vogue again, appearing in everything from backsplashes and countertops to air vents and downspouts. Its unique properties, such as the patina it takes on as it ages, make it a striking architectural choice, and nowhere is that more...

Going once: manufacturer lots and hard-to-find items find a selling spot on eBay.(Products: Trends)
May 1, 2005... Long the hot spot for discontinued Hummel figurines and lost childhood toys, eBay, the online auction site, is now positioning itself as a source for remodelers to find everything from vintage wood flooring to Viking ranges. The site's...

Garage doors and openers: no longer neglected as a design element, today's garage doors offer high style and sturdy materials.(Products: In Focus)
May 1, 2005... Garage door manufacturers are coming up with new ways to create authentic wood looks with more reliable materials. Amarr has abandoned overlays with its Classica Collection, opting instead to press patterns directly into the steel. Wayne Dalton...

Raynor.(Products: In Focus)
May 1, 2005... Inspired by the heritage of custom-made carriage doors, the American Rivers collection offers tour distinct models, including the Potomac. The doors are built around a solid, 1 3/8-inch-thick Douglas fir frame with a Western red cedar surface...

Amarr.(Products: In Focus)
May 1, 2005... Each of the six designs in the Biltmore Estate collection was inspired by the doors and design elements at the real Biltmore Estate in North Carolina. Insulated with polystyrene and covered with Luan paneling, the doors boast a 3/4-inch Western...

Wayne Dalton.(Products: In Focus)
May 1, 2005... The idrive opener mounts to the wall above the door, eliminating the overhead rail. Because it needs no turning chain, belt, or screw drive, it requires less space and operates more quietly than conventional models. Two versions are available;...

JELD-WEN.(Products: In Focus)
May 1, 2005... Showcasing the Old World look of many of the company's entry doors, the Estate Series garage doors are available in five widths and two heights. The 1 3/8-inch-thick doors won't crack, sag, separate, or shrink, the maker says. Clavos, door...

GADCO.(Products: In Focus)
May 1, 2005... The Freedom 9001 Series garage doors are constructed of high-density polyethylene that promises never to rust, delaminate, dent, or warp. The doors are impact- and abrasion-resistant, the maker says, and the all-aluminum framework is designed...

Clopay.(Products: In Focus)
May 1, 2005... The Avante collection combines aluminum and glass in a sleek, contemporary design that makes for extraordinary curb appeal. The company took one of its commercial doors and modified the design to come up with the Asian-inspired look. Several...

Designer doors.(Products: In Focus)
May 1, 2005... The Timbercraft Doors collection presents an authentic wood look at a lower price point. Available in the company's standard sizes and styles, the doors are handcrafted with hardboard frames and clear Western red cedar surface material....

Owens Corning.(Insulation)
May 1, 2005... The PINKCap is a polystyrene foam cover for attic stair openings that provides an R value of 11 when installed properly. It reduces air leaks through the attic stairwell by up to 85%, the maker says. 800.438.7465. www.owens corning.com. Circle...

Icynene.(Insulation)
May 1, 2005... The Icynene Insulation System is a 100% water-blown, soft foam insulation and air barrier. It air-seals cavities to minimize the intrusion of moisture and outdoor pollutants and minimizes air leakage for increased energy efficiency, says the...

CertainTeed.(Insulation)
May 1, 2005... SpeedyR tabless batts eliminate the need to staple flanges to hold the batt in place. It is easier to cut and less confusing to install, the maker says. Designed for use in standard-width wood-framed construction where a vapor retarder is...

Fi-Foil.(Insulation)
May 1, 2005... RBI Shield reflective bubble insulation is a multipurpose reflective insulation and radiant barrier for roofs, floors, slabs, and walls. Available in double and single bubble, the insulation provides high energy efficiency by reflecting 97% of...

Johns Manville.(Insulation)
May 1, 2005... Spider is a formaldehyde-free, spray-in insulation system made from specially designed glass fibers. During installation, the fibers are mixed with a non-hazardous adhesive that eliminates the need for netting. The system has been tested to...

LIT Industries.(Insulation)
May 1, 2005... The RapidWrap line of thermal insulation blankets is designed for use on virtually any piece of equipment, including diesel exhaust systems, gas turbines, compressors, steam turbines, pumps, and flanges. Able to withstand temperatures up to...

Pine ridge builders.(Insulation)
May 1, 2005... EnergyBlock is a block of foam insulation specifically molded to fit around standard electrical boxes. The result is a near perfect seal around and behind every electrical box that essentially eliminates air infiltration in both directions, the...

Falcon Foam.(Insulation)
May 1, 2005... Offered in plain, poly, or foil facing, ThermalStar laminated polystyrene sheathing offers higher insulating value while providing a smooth, level surface for siding application. The foil facings offer a reflective surface. When used in...

Zircon.(High-Tech Tools)
May 1, 2005... CenterVision technology finds the stud in just one pass with the ProScanner OneStep. The floating scanner head features a bright backlit LCD display and locks into fully articulating arms that connect to the handle. The AutoCal feature...

Leica Geosystems.(High-Tech Tools)
May 1, 2005... The Rugby 200 has been enhanced with a 60% brighter beam. The construction laser now has a working range of up to 1,000 feet, plus a plumb beam for 90-degree layout work and a plumb-down feature for setup over a point. It also features...

Hilti.(High-Tech Tools)
May 1, 2005... Promising to take measurements in less than half a second, the PD 30 Laser Range Meter measures distances from 2 inches up to 600 feet with unparalleled accuracy, the maker says. The meter measures in inches, eighths and sixteenths of an inch,...

Hitachi.(High-Tech Tools)
May 1, 2005... The C12LC 12-inch compound miter saw features a digital LCD display to view miter and bevel readings, allowing the user to quickly and easily set angles. A backlight provides visibility when working in dimly lit areas. The saw has a 15-amp...

Ridge tool.(High-Tech Tools)
May 1, 2005... The Compact SeeSnake Plus video inspection system is now a part of the SeeSnake collection of products. The stainless steel camera, which has 400 lines of resolution for better viewing, pushes further into tighter spots to give the user better...

Stairs, molding, and millwork.(SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION)(Advertisement)
May 1, 2005... Many factors make a home unforgettable--the location, the architecture, the layout of rooms. But the small details matter as much as big-picture considerations. The right accents and finishing touches enhance and unify a home, setting it apart...

BIS: new cutting-edge enhancements.(technology * spotlight)(Advertisement)
May 1, 2005... Management Information Control Systems, Inc,. (MICS), has enhanced its flagship program, Builder Information System (BIS). Already the Standard in Real-Time Construction Accounting Software, BIS has added Form Editor at no additional cost....

BuildWorks 4.0: the right combination for remodelers.(technology * spotlight)(Advertisement)
May 1, 2005... QuickBooks and Microsoft Office are great, but they're not set up for construction. BuildWorks 4.0 from Synapse Software is your answer. Designed by a builder, BuildWorks nails QuickBooks Pro and Microsoft Office together with every form,...

Construction office: complete project management software.(technology * spotlight)(Advertisement)
May 1, 2005... Building on the power of Microsoft Office and QuickBooks, UDA Construction Office provides integrated, real-world solutions designed for the way you work. Join the thousands of satisfied construction professionals worldwide that benefit from...

ConTracker EZ: estimating for specialty contractors.(technology * spotlight)(Advertisement)
May 1, 2005... With ConTracker EZ, a laptop computer, and a portable printer, contractors can turn their pickup trucks into mobile offices. It's as easy as entering your customer, products, labor, and contract lines--once. Then print your estimate. Next...

Craftsman's most popular 2005 estimating manuals, available for download.(technology * spotlight)(Advertisement)
May 1, 2005... Remodeling professionals now have an easy and inexpensive source for estimating manuals. Download as many of Craftsman's most popular 2005 cost estimating references as you need, as often as you need them. You pay only one low price for...

Goldenseal: helping you run the business side of your remodeling business.(technology * spotlight)(Advertisement)
May 1, 2005... Goldenseal is an integrated estimating, accounting, and project management software for remodelers and small construction companies. It creates fast, accurate cost estimates, manages job costs and general accounting, pays bills, writes payroll,...

GuildQuality: measuring customer satisfaction.(technology * spotlight)(Advertisement)
May 1, 2005... Unhappy customers talk to more people about their experience than do happy customers. And loyal customers build long-term value and profit for your business. So take the next step: Use customer surveying to measure your customers' feedback and...

Improvebuild remodeler's business solution (RBS): stay on top of your business.(technology * spotlight)(Advertisement)
May 1, 2005... This fully integrated software allows owners to stay on top of their business. RBS integrates lead tracking, job management, design agreements, estimating, contracts, quotes, P/Os, permits, change orders, invoicing, scheduling, and more. It...

SketchUp: dream, design, and communicate in 3D.(technology * spotlight)(Advertisement)
May 1, 2005... Award-winning SketchUp is the must-have tool for building professionals with the need to communicate to clients, subcontractors, or fabricators in 3D. Powerful yet easy to use, SketchUp allows you to quickly sketch up your next bid and present...

SoftPlan version 12.5: the most powerful tool for quick and easy design.(technology * spotlight)(Advertisement)
May 1, 2005... SoftPlan, the building industry's leading residential CAD software package, is ideal for builders, remodelers, architects, and designers looking to decrease drawing and revision time while increasing accuracy and productivity. With SoftPlan,...

VirtualBoss construction scheduling software: designed by contractors.(technology * spotlight)(Advertisement)
May 1, 2005... This easy-to-use scheduling and task management solution is designed for contractors by contractors. Keep track of all of your scheduling items, punch lists, service calls, and much more. VirtualBoss has a Pocket PC and Palm version, saving you...

Top performers.(Last Word: Bench Mark)
May 1, 2005... Big50 companies complete a questionnaire that includes basic data about their financial performance and company structure. We've compiled the data and computed the averages, then selected the most interesting results to present here. Compare...