Table of Contents July 2009

Features

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  Growing Concern

  Case studies of three remodeling companies at different stages of growth. What challenges are they each grappling with and how are they managing their growth?

   
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  Web Marketing Makeover

  In slow economic times, an updated website could be bringing in more business than any other lead source.

   

View Point

• July 2009 Figure This

  A statistical glimpse at factors influencing the resurging move toward career and technical education.

   
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  Reskilling, Recovering, Remodeling

  Remodelers have long lamented the gutting of skilled-trade education in the U.S. Economic realities may bring it back.

   
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  Change vs. Inaction

  With energy policy bills passing through Congress, short-term gains should not trump long-term goals.

   

• Networking Provides Leads and Support

  In a tough economic climate, one remodeler finds that networking provides much-needed leads and support.

   

Commentary

Linda Case

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  Mystery Sleuthing Revisited

  We must research our competitors. It's the only way to analyze the difference our company brings to the marketplace, and to develop strategies for selling against those competitors.

   

Mark Richardson

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  Are You Changing Enough?

  The current economy has prompted all of us to change. But the answer to the question of what and how much to change may not be what we've come to expect.

   

Shawn McCadden

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  Management by Interruption

  Feeling constantly interrupted, to the point that you can't get anything done? Tips for setting the right examples.

   

Your Business

Ways + Means

• Change It Up

  A new book from the VitalSmarts team helps you pinpoint specific, replicable behaviors to find success.

   
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  Book It

  One remodeler gathers all appliance information, contracts, and more into a binder to create an owner's manual for clients.

   
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  Ask the Expert: Search Engine Optimization

  Marketing expert David Alpert answers the question: Is search engine optimization of your website worthwhile?

   
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  Target Shooting

  Using job cost percentages aids one remodeler in value-engineering and helps clients stay on budget.

   
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  Risky Business

  If you're increasingly using trade partners on projects, make sure you keep up with insurance.

   

Bottom Line

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  Appreciating Depreciation

  The 2009 American Recovery and Reinvestment Act increases deductions for capital assets, which is good news for small- and medium-size businesses.

   

Sales + Marketing

• Sales School: Staying Positive Under Stress

  Forget the past, celebrate small victories, and eight other strategies for maintaining an (infectiously) positive attitude among salespeople.

   

Field Notes

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  Jobsite iOpener

  Though your field staff may not be high-tech trailblazers, remodelers are finding the user-friendly, rugged iPhone can be a handy tool on the jobsite.

   
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  Green by Stealth

  Michigan remodeler steers trade contractors toward green building methods without ever uttering the dreaded "G word."

   

By Design

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  Take It Outside

  Homeowners need guidance to help marry form and function in outdoor living spaces.

   

Tech@Work

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  Ultimate Word-of-Mouth

  It costs you nothing to use social networking sites such as Facebook to make people aware of your company.

   
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  Connect Anywhere

  AirCards solve Internet connectivity issues for remodelers and their field crews, saving time and effort.

   

Good Form

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  Working in Reverse

  For one remodeler, "reverse budgeting" helps clients define and stay within their budget range.

   

K+B

Design Clinic

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  Light Accents

  Subtle lighting ideas for kitchen and bath projects, including lit onyx sinks and glass block details.

   

Spec Book

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  Diamond Cabinetry Base Corner Pull-Out

  New to the Logix organizational cabinetry collection is the Base Corner Pull-Out with swing-out hardware.

   
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  Adelphi Birdseye Maple Veneer

  Exotic birdseye maple veneer adds a sophisticated style to custom kitchens, libraries, baths, and other spaces.

   
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  Armstrong Rutledge Collection

  New finishes give the classic Rutledge collection a refreshed look.

   
• 

  Lasertron Designer LED Stainless Steel Cabinet

  Brighten up any bar area with a cool Designer LED Stainless Steel Cabinet.

   
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  Kitchen & Bath Products

  Ideal for a coastal cottage or for inland homeowners who want to feel like they're in the tropics, the new Cancun door style offers an island feel.

   

Sustainability

Green Speak

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  Energy-Efficient Overhaul

  An extensive whole-house remodel qualifies this New Jersey project for the Energy Star Qualified New Home program.

   

Products

Stimulus

• 

  July 2009 Stimulus Products

  A slideshow of products that qualify for energy tax credit.

   
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  Marvin Ultimate Casement Windows

  Windows in the Ultimate Casement collection offer homeowners numerous benefits ranging from tax credits to easy cleaning.

   
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  Jeld-Wen Two-Panel Steel Exterior Doors

  New two-panel steel exterior door styles are available to enhance curb appeal and energy efficiency of entryways.

   
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  Simonton Reflections 5500 Replacement Patio Doors and Windows

  Reflections 5500 replacement patio doors and windows are put through rigorous testing more intense than a window or door is likely to experience in a home, the maker says.

   
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  Andersen EcoExcel Energy Performance Package

  Easily identify the maker's tax credit-eligible products by looking for its new EcoExcel energy performance package.

   
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  Pella Designer Series Patio Doors and Windows

  Designer Series patio doors were used in one of the first single-family home remodeling projects that met LEED standards.

   
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  Kolbe & Kolbe Heritage Series Wood Windows and Doors

  Heritage Series wood windows and doors match experienced woodworkers' craftsmanship with advanced technology.

   
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  Gorell EcoMaster Glass System

  The new EcoMaster double-insulating high-performance glass system incorporates two panes of glass, argon gas fill, and SolarControl Max low-E coating.

   
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  Weather Shield Fiberglass-Clad Windows

  With a U-factor as low as 0.23, the new fiberglass-clad product line is one of the maker's many collections to meet tax-credit eligibility requirements.

   

In Focus

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  Wood Haven Rainscreen Clip Package

  An array of products is available for installing hardwood rainscreen systems without drilling or exposed fasteners.

   
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  GP Williams Drain-Plane

  Drain-Plane products are fully ventilated strips that create an air space between a wall assembly and cladding.

   
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  Premier Building Systems PBS Building Wrap and Weather Barrier

  PBS Building Wrap and Weather Barrier for structural insulated panels helps reduce the potential for mold and mildew in structures.

   
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  Benjamin Obdyke Hydrofilament Drainable Housewrap

  Designed to drain moisture 80% faster than other materials, Hydrofilament Drainable Housewrap offers 140 times more drainage than standard housewrap, the maker says.

   
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  Screen Tight FastTrack Porch Screen System

  Using a system of 1-by-2-inch self-mating channels and molded clips, the FastTrack Porch Screen System allows for easy installation and project creativity.

   
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  iLevel by Weyerhaeuser Garage Portal System

  Overcome design limitations for one of a home's largest openings with the iLevel Garage Portal System.

   
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  Simpson Strong-Tie DTT2Z Deck Tension Tie

  Focusing on deck safety through strong guardrail-post and deck-to-house connections, the maker introduces the DTT2Z deck tension tie.

   
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  Wayne-Dalton Storm Stud

  Created in conjunction with fenestration product manufacturer Muhler Co., the maker has introduced the Storm Stud to be used with its Fabric Shield storm panels and various window systems.

   
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  Tamko EverGrain EG 1-2-3 Hidden Fasteners

  Create a smooth deck surface with EG 1-2-3 Hidden Fasteners.

   
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  Royal Outdoor Products Novation Decking

  Made from cellular PVC, Novation decking carries a limited lifetime warranty and a lifetime No Rot guarantee.

   
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  AERT EcoShield Deck Tiles

  Suitable for installation on patios, verandas, rooftops, or almost any level concrete or gravel surface, EcoShield Deck Tiles are constructed of a wood-plastic composite.

   
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  Quality Aluminum EverFlashing Deck Flashing

  EverFlashing perimeter deck flashing allows for the expansion and contraction of composite decking and helps minimize water intrusion between the skirt board and the substructure.

   
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  Azek Deck Terra Collection

  The Azek Deck Terra Collection is available in two rich, earthy colors called Kona and fawn.

   

Other Articles

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  Stress Test

  Before you borrow any more money, take a hard look at the truth of your situation. Use this worksheet to help you.