Remodeling: Markup-Overhead-Profit

Don't Compete -- Differentiate

Mon, 20 May 2013 10:58:20 EST

Competing on price is not the long-term answer for winning jobs and seeing your company thrive. Shawn McCadden describes a better way.

Profit in the Modern World

Thu, 16 May 2013 06:04:14 EST

Times are changing. Is your profit model keeping up with the times?

Growing in Place: Make the Most of Limited Production Hours

Thu, 16 May 2013 01:28:43 EST

Rather than expand through hiring, remodeler Stan Acton uses a spreadsheet to help him get the most out of the carpenters he already has.

Bold Styling: Overhead Door Carriage House Collection

Thu, 25 Apr 2013 01:27:59 EST

A range of architectural styles, times numerous paint and stain options, plus a variety of decorative hardware, equals a garage door design the whole neighborhood will notice.

Know Your Numbers

Fri, 8 Mar 2013 10:23:47 EST

As a remodeler, you may be doing what you love, but don't let your interest in your craft distract you from your business' financials.

NAHB Cost of Doing Business Survey Finds Remodelers' Numbers Fall Short of Ideal

Wed, 20 Feb 2013 05:16:35 EST

The average remodeler posted a 3% net profit in 2011 and took home 6% in owners' compensation, NAHB finds.

Time Really Is Money: Tips for Improving On-Site Productivity

Fri, 8 Feb 2013 02:27:33 EST

Companies that have taken overhead as low as it can go but are still facing price pressure can look to improved field productivity to preserve profits.

To Hire or Not to Hire?

Fri, 8 Feb 2013 02:25:09 EST

Calculate the total cost of hiring new staff before you make your move to increase the size of your team.

Is It Time to Hire? And If It Is, Can You Afford It?

Fri, 8 Feb 2013 02:23:05 EST

Victoria Downing describes the decisions that go into choosing whether and when you should add staff to your company.

5 Ratios That Indicate Whether Your Company's Financials Are Improving

Fri, 8 Feb 2013 02:17:45 EST

JUDITH MILLER defines and explains five key ratios that can be used to indicate your company's financial health.

Cookbook: A Recipe for Evaluating Your Progress Toward Revenue Goals

Fri, 8 Feb 2013 02:12:59 EST

JUDITH MILLER shows how to track your progress (and make any necessary adjustments) as your company moves toward its revenue goals.

Better Estimates: Plan for Cost Increases Before Jobs Are Sold

Fri, 8 Feb 2013 02:06:35 EST

How to anticipate cost increases and include them in project estimates before jobs are sold.

Sales Alchemy Revisited: Clarifying a Remodeler's Role as Construction Manager

Fri, 8 Feb 2013 10:50:30 EST

A reader asks for further clarification of Mike Davis' role as a construction manager as mentioned in the February article "Sales Alchemy."

RICHARD STEVEN: Prime Numbers

Fri, 8 Feb 2013 02:15:22 EST

Tips for better cash management.

Orderly Change: Managing the Change Order Process

Fri, 8 Feb 2013 02:15:07 EST

Collecting payment for change orders isn't difficult, as long as you have a clear process and you make clients aware of it early in the remodeling process.

Food for Thought: What Remodelers Can Learn From Food Truck Vendors

Fri, 8 Feb 2013 02:15:05 EST

If you're looking for business principles to guide you through the new normal, food trucks offer some valuable lessons for running a lean, successful operation.

Numbers Game: Remodeling Benchmarks

Fri, 8 Feb 2013 09:51:17 EST

Benchmarks offer a baseline for companies to evaluate current efforts and establish goals. See how your business compares to the benchmarks from these four remodeling companies.

Small-Project Strategies

Fri, 8 Feb 2013 12:54:06 EST

ANDY HANNAN: Streamlining selections on small projects to keep these jobs on track and profitable.

Sales for Hire: Make Sure That New Salesperson Will Boost Your Bottom Line

Fri, 8 Feb 2013 12:27:09 EST

Sales commissions are a cost of goods sold (COGS). Before hiring, make sure you know how commissions will affect your company's total profitability.

Feeling Free: Steps to Attaining Overhead Freedom

Fri, 8 Feb 2013 12:27:01 EST

MELANIE HODGDON AND LESLIE SHINER: Like Tax Freedom Day for a nation, Overhead Freedom Day should be a goal for your company. Here's how to calculate when your day will come.