Guest Commentary

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    Advice for Hiring the Right Person the First Time

    Wouldn't you agree that hiring staff is somewhat like buying a good bottle of wine?

     
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    Consider outsourcing bookkeeper

    As your business grows, you may find you need a full-time bookkeeper. But before you prepare to hire someone to take on the job, consider outsourcing this business function.

     
  • Know the Business

    Craftsmanship is just one component to being your own boss.

     
  • Starting a second career as a remodeling contractor

    Guest columnist Gary Morrison wanted a second career as a remodeling contractor: "I now work twice as many hours for half the money, and it's the most rewarding, enjoyable job I've ever had."

     
  • Top 10 things I've learned in remodeling

    After 25 years of trial and error, guest columnist Tracey Bail ranks the top 10 things he's learned in the remodeling business as follows:

     
  • Finding common ground through mediation

    Unfortunately, at some point in your career, you may face an issue with a client, vendor, or trade partner that won't be resolved by rational discussion, and before you know it you'll be looking for your lawyer's phone number. To save yourself a lot of time and money, it's best if your contracts...

     
  • The challenging search for qualified and dependable subcontractors

    One challenge most remodelers share is the ongoing search for qualified and dependable subcontractors and trade partners.

     
  • Consider charging for design work

    One might argue that giving away design is a part of marketing. But design is so much more

     
  • How homeowners select remodeling contractors

    Remodeling contractors spend a lot of time and money trying to win jobs. The Farnsworth Group, a market research company specializing in the construction industry, recently spoke with 184 homeowners involved in remodeling projects to determine how they located a contractor, which household member...

     
  • Older clients present new opportunities

    Perhaps you fit this mold: You do only high-end work or period restorations and target the affluent, or some similar market segment. Or you focus on a specific line of business such as refinishing cabinets or bath fixtures; installing closet organizers, gutter toppers, etc. But, in the U.S., the...