Remodeling: Basement Refinishing

Illinois Remodeler Wins Fred Case Entrepreneurship Award

Tue, 14 May 2013 05:01:07 EST

Nick Richmond of Illinois-based Matrix Basement Systems has won the 2013 Fred Case Entrepreneur of the Year Award in honor of achievements in both manufacturing and marketing that propelled his remodeling company.

Material Matters: When Clients Order Products for the Project

Fri, 8 Feb 2013 12:45:25 EST

Working with clients who want to purchase their own products — it can be done. More remodelers are going with the trend, but with systems in place so the process goes smoothly.

Banking on Work: Working on Foreclosed Homes

Thu, 7 Feb 2013 11:47:48 EST

Jasco Construction Services works with banks and new owners on maintaining and completing abandoned new-home projects.

Remodeling 550: Replacement Contractors

Fri, 8 Feb 2013 01:37:14 EST

The 170 companies on this list specialize in a few product lines — often roofing, siding, and windows, but also acrylic bathtub liners, kitchen cabinet refacing, and basement waterproofing.

See the Potential

Thu, 7 Feb 2013 10:59:23 EST

The market has changed. Leads are scarce, jobs are smaller. Remodelers who focus only on leads that are sure bets may find that all bets are off.

Product Extra: New and Notable

Thu, 1 Apr 2010 10:25:02 EST

New products from Fiberon, Flexible Floor Systems, Hitachi, Rais, Superior Polymer Products, Tru-Pro Products, and WAC Lighting.

Nesting, Energy Savings, and Upgrading Existing Spaces Among Consumer Trends for 2009

Thu, 7 Feb 2013 10:25:47 EST

Iconoculture senior director Robin Avni shares home and remodeling macrotrends at IBS 2009.

Remodeling Entrepreneur Sal Ferro Leads $50 Million Company by Example

Thu, 7 Feb 2013 10:13:45 EST

This boy from the Bronx runs a $50 million company and has a heart of gold. He is unparalleled, say those who know him well, in leading by example and inspiring others to be their best.

Engineering the Customer Experience, Part 1: the Sales Process

Thu, 7 Feb 2013 09:23:52 EST

Part one in a three-part series on engineering the customer experience

Ranch remodel reclaims open space

Wed, 6 Jun 2012 11:50:22 EST

It wasn't the size of the 1950s ranch house that proved to be the problem for the new owners. The couple bought the property in the older Milwaukee suburb of Elm Grove, Wis., for its prime location and large lot, wanting the space for their two young children. But the home's dated, dark, cramped layout meant an imminent — and substantial — remodel of the house, says Bob Prindiville, co-owner with Alan Freysinger of Design Group Three, the Milwaukee design/build firm the homeowners charged with the task.

Earn thousands more by selling small remodeling jobs

Thu, 7 Feb 2013 09:15:25 EST

Besides earning a salary for full-time production responsibilities, the two project managers at Kanon Group, in Towson, Md., can earn thousands more by selling small remodeling jobs that don't require a designer, including basements, bathrooms, and some kitchens.

Upgrading an Orlando cottage

Tue, 20 Nov 2012 01:41:57 EST

When the design/build team for a neglected 1909 bungalow in downtown Orlando, Fla., first discussed how to restore and remodel the house, they envisioned a likely buyer. A mature couple or family, probably with an older teenager still in the nest and perhaps an elderly parent to care for, the fictitious owners would have certain needs, and passions.

Advertising typical remodeling costs

Thu, 7 Feb 2013 09:00:31 EST

Classic Homeworks includes typical costs of several types of remodeling projects on its Web site.

Project Descriptions

Thu, 7 Feb 2013 08:50:15 EST

What's the payback for remodeling? Our annual report compares construction cost with resale value in 60 markets.

That's a Wrap!

Thu, 7 Feb 2013 08:49:57 EST

Craftsman, colonial, even traditional porches — they're nothing without their columns. But mitering trim pieces to cover treated wood posts can be a bear, and leaving wood exposed to the elements (gasp!) is just asking for trouble.

Price Points

Thu, 7 Feb 2013 08:34:45 EST

Potential clients who think they're being careful stewards of their resources can, in my experience, be enlightened, and even converted into good clients. Here are a few ideas to make that happen.

Basement Remodel

Thu, 7 Feb 2013 08:32:04 EST

Finish the lower level of a house to create a 20-by-30-foot entertaining area with wet bar, a 5-by-8-foot full bath, and a 12-by-12-foot auxiliary room. Walls and ceilings are painted drywall throughout; exterior walls are insulated; painted trim throughout. Include five six-panel primed hardboard doors.

Returning a neglected Mediterranean-style home to its former splendor

Thu, 7 Feb 2013 08:25:25 EST

After a year's worth of planning, McDaniel proposed renovating the three-bedroom, 3,700-square-foot building into a fully landscaped 10,000-square-foot compound that would include the house, restored as much as possible to its original condition, with an addition atop a porte cochere (a roofed entrance over the driveway) and a detached three-car garage. Behind the house McDaniel would build a courtyard with a cabana and new swimming pool. The project would take a year. Neither the cost nor the client has been disclosed.

Adapt to change or get left behind

Thu, 7 Feb 2013 08:23:45 EST

During most of the past 40 years, there was enough similarity between houses being built that most companies could handle all the work involved in any type of remodeling job.

Remodelers Find Success With Owens Corning Basement Finishing Systems and ABC Seamless Siding Franchises

Thu, 7 Feb 2013 08:04:45 EST

One franchise option growing in popularity is the Owens Corning Basement Finishing System (BFS). Introduced in 1998, sales reached $55 million in 2003. Chuck Stein, president of Owens Corning Remodeling, says that signing on with the BFS concept is “a unique opportunity [for remodelers] to expand their existing business.”