Managing and Estimating

  • Relentless Hope

    Optimists by nature, most remodelers are also good, caring people — admirable traits that often, unfortunately, conflict with one another. Because we're optimists, we want things to work out, such as new hires and big projects. Because we care, we want to give the employee or the client plenty of...

     
  • Keeping the bid process flowing smoothly

    Current remodeling orthodoxy says bids are a thing of the past. But for some, including Atlanta remodeler Wright Marshall, architect-based bid work is still an essential part of the business.

     
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    Lead sheets to guide the call-taker

    When a potential client calls Kirk Development Co.'s office, there isn't always a salesperson to handle the call. But rather than simply taking a name and number, the Phoenix company created two sales lead sheets to guide the call-taker and give the salesperson much-needed information.

     
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    Software that integrates all elements of design/build

    ImproveBuild Remodeler's Business Solution is an all-in-one contact management, estimating, job tracking, and job analysis system that centralizes all project info in an easy-to-manage, customizable format.

     
  • A line item covers miscellaneous materials

    A line item on estimates covers the cost of miscellaneous materials.

     
  • Not all salespeople are comfortable with traditional compensation

    Not all full-line remodeling and design/build salespeople are comfortable with traditional compensation.

     
  • Put your commission where your profit is

    The danger of a sales commission based solely on volume is that the salesman has no incentive to sell a profitable job.

     
  • Budgeting and estimating are not the same

    One of the greatest frustrations a homeowner can face is the realization that your fabulous design will cost more to build than expected. Upscale clients are no different.

     
  • Call recording helps build sales

    Ever wish you could build a sales team that you could trust to sell the job as well as you do every time? One way to make that dream a reality is by using call recording software to ensure that sales calls are being handled uniformly and efficiently.

     
  • Better Outcomes Through Job Costing

    Job-cost reports are invaluable tools for keeping projects on schedule and on budget, and for improving remodeling processes. If a report shows that the project is starting to lose money, try these constructive responses.