Managing and Estimating

  • Estimating software from Clear Estimates

    After 35 years in the remodeling business, Terry Quinn was still using a yellow pad and pen to create homemade estimating spreadsheets.

     
  • Sharing with the lead carpenter

    If you use the lead carpenter system, you need to share information with your lead carpenters. Unfortunately, the salesperson or owner doesn't usually give the lead enough time to review project information before actual construction begins.

     
  • Up-front contract settles things early

     
  • Creating QuickBook estimating templates

    If you have built your own spreadsheet estimating template, then it's an easy matter to create a new worksheet specifically designed to be printed out for manual entry into QuickBooks. This new worksheet — name it “QuickBooks Summary” or something similar — will contain only the data you want to...

     
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    Comparing sales people

    Does money trump all when gauging a salesperson's value?

     
  • A good estimator is methodical but creative

    Sound estimating is the backbone of any remodeling business, whether you bid competitively or negotiate a design/build contract. We spend a lot of time benchmarking financial standards and processes; estimating deserves equal attention.

     
  • The One-Call Close Is Still Possible

    Is the one-call close still feasible in selling replacement products?

     
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    Limit Salespeople to One Product Line

    I have a friend in full-line remodeling, with about six salespeople. Two sell nothing but guttering. One makes a six-figure income. Now let that salesperson present everything the company sells and I bet you he won't make six figures.

     
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    Reader Panel: Balancing Act

    More than half of respondents have delegated production, bookkeeping, and payroll duties to employees. Some 32% have handed design over to someone else, and a quarter have passed along estimating and sales responsibilities.

     
  • Face-Off: Track or Trust?

    Here's a look at how six people monitor the time their workers put in.