Remodeling Magazine

FEATURES

Homeowner Seminars

Homeowner seminars offer a way to position yourself as an expert and to boost leads as well.

Cost vs. Value Report

Are We Experiencing a Suburban Slowdown and Urban Uptick?

Remodels to close-in homes show higher ROI than their suburban counterparts.
Home Additions Are Still a Good Investment

Additions that are necessary and well-built are still a good investment for homeowners.
Downsizing the McMansion

More homeowners are opting to carve practical spaces out of their expansive homes.
Energy-Efficient Changes Rank High on Value List

Realtors and remodelers across the nation are seeing new attention being paid to energy efficiency.
About the 2008–09 Remodeling Cost vs. Value Report

What's new in the 2008–09 Cost vs. Value Report and information about the results.
Top-Performing Projects

Some familiar projects are ranked at the top of the 2008–09 Cost vs. Value Report.

Wage and Benefit Survey

Remodelers Lay Out Strategies for Avoiding Layoffs

Dramatic business drop-off has some remodeling companies taking extreme measures to stay solvent.
The Importance of Benefits

Comprehensive benefits packages can be the key to attracting quality employees to your team.
Introduction to REMODELING's 2008 Wage & Benefit Survey

More than 300 remodelers completed REMODELING's 2008 Wage & Benefit Survey.

VIEW POINT

FIRST WORD

Heeding the Signs of a Stalled Economy

Regardless of whether you still have work, the market is changing, and to ignore those changes is dangerous for your company.
Clarifying Aspects of the 2008–09 Cost vs. Value Data

Most people reading the Cost vs. Value Report skip the fine print and go right to the data, leading to questions and misunderstandings. Here's some clarification.

Dot Comment

You're Not Alone: Online Resources for Remodelers

In a tough economy, turn to the Remodeling Online blogs and forums for advice and industry insights from your peers.

News + Notes

Not to Be Ignored: EPA Lead Paint Regulations

If you work in homes built prior to 1978, EPA lead paint regulations affect you.
ASID Presses for Laws Governing Kitchen Design

The American Society of Interior Designers is pressing for laws throughout the country that will regulate who can and cannot design kitchens, baths, and cabinets.

Local Forecast

A Las Vegas Remodeler Turns to the Foreclosure Market for Potential Leads

In Las Vegas, a veteran remodeling company is working with real estate agents to tap into the foreclosure market.

MARKET WATCH

Industry Facts and Figures

Facts and figures about the remodeling industry.
LIRA Shows Continued Decline in Homeowner Improvement Spending

The third-quarter release of the Leading Indicator of Remodeling Activity (LIRA) predicts that homeowner improvement spending will decline at an annual rate of 12% by the second quarter of 2009.
Re-Benchmarked Leading Indicator of Remodeling Activity

In re-benchmarking the LIRA (Leading Indicator of Remodeling Activity), the Joint Center for House Studies at Harvard University now provides smoother estimates of homeowner improvement spending.
November 2008 Figure This

Facts and figures related to the remodeling industry.
Sobering Realities Take Hold Along the Florida Gulf Coast

Michael K. Walker, a veteran remodeler in Sarasota, Fla., points out two danger signs along the horizon: permitting lag time and new wind-zone insurance requirements.

COMMENTARY

GUEST COLUMNIST

Advising Remodeling Clients

Help clients see their remodeling project as an important long-term investment

LINDA CASE

Never Have Aggressive Budgeting and a Detailed Marketing Plan Been So Important

Linda Case identifies strategies for surviving 2009 by developing a realistic budget and targeted marketing plan.

MARK RICHARDSON

New Ways of Going to Market

There is opportunity in today's tough economic climate if you proactively seek new ways of going to market.

SHAWN MCCADDEN

Business as Usual Won't Get You Through This Recession

Remodeling consultant Shawn McCadden outlines the key psychological advantage that helped his company emerge stronger from the last major remodeling recession.

YOUR BUSINESS

Sales and Marketing

Turn the Negative News Cycle in Reverse and Get Homeowners to Remodel

Successful strategies for creating positive news that gives homeowners the confidence to remodel.
Tips for Moving Prospective Buyers Off the Fence — Quickly

Sandler Systems CEO, Dave Mattson, explains the psychology behind, and antidotes to, slower remodeling buying decisions.
Selling Design Services to Other Contractors

How one design-savvy remodeler sees growth opportunities in selling design services to other contractors.
Photos Help Sell Your Work

Don't let these photography mistakes drive prospects away. Before you use that "portfolio" photo, vet it from the homeowner's perspective.
Effective Low-Tech Marketing

Low-tech marketing keeps this small remodeling company on the right radar screens.

BOTTOM LINE

Reach Out to Past Clients

Mining your most reliable source — your past clients — for potential leads.
Factoring Gets You Cash Quickly, But at a Price

Factoring companies allow small businesses to get cash within a matter of days, but you must consider the risks, too.
Making the Most of New and Existing Markets

For Massachusetts remodeler Tom Mitchell, keeping his company healthy in a slow economy has meant expanding into both new markets and existing markets he had not previously tapped.
Insurance Cost Savings

It is possible to be proactive about insurance without being foolhardy or putting your company in jeopardy.

BY DESIGN

Basement Design Ideas

Actual and visual techniques to make a basement feel more spacious.
Tips for Remodeling an Attic

Remodeling an attic is like adding space for free. Here are some design considerations to keep in mind.

FIELD NOTES

Field Crew "Try Outs" Minimize Costly Hiring Mistakes

An emerging trend in construction hiring: paid, on-the-job "try outs," with no obligation to offer the permanent position.
Coach Your Field Staff, and Don't Dominate Them

When managers return to the field after a long absence, they must respect the existing chain of command — and not undermine it.
Tips for Making Rate-Cut Requests a Win-Win with Trade Contractors

In the tighter economy, remodelers are asking trade contractors to shave costs. The key is to communicate why — and what's in it for them.
One Remodeler's Remedy for Cold-Weather Hazards

Strategies to keep crews, trades, and clients safe in and around winter jobsites.
Limiting the Effect of Price Spikes and Materials Shortages

Tips for helping remodelers avoid the hit when prices spike and shortages loom.

GOOD FORM

Lead Tracking Plus

Analyze the effectiveness of your marketing strategies using this in-depth lead tracking spreadsheet.
Pinpointing Slippage

By tracking the actual and budgeted costs of individual line items for each job, Creative Contracting is able to easily pinpoint slippage.

Tech at Work

A Way to Better Connect Wtih Customers, Subcontractors, and Suppliers

MyOnlineToolbox is an online application that helps organize the daily business of remodelers and contractors.
Great iPhone Applications for Remodelers

These iPhone apps are great for remodelers, architects, and other construction-related businesspeople.
Industry-Specific Software vs. Generic Software

Joe Stoddard details when it makes sense to invest in industry-specific software, and why.
Web-Based Scheduling From Co-Construct

To increase cooperation and accountability, Co-Construct offers new scheduling features and subcontractor access to essential project information.

Ways + Means

'Free Gift' Sales Method May Be Costly

Be wary when using the "free-gift" sales methodology and be aware that state laws about free gifts vary.
Remodeling Company Owners Who Work in the Field

It's possible to swing a hammer and still run a thriving, profitable business without going crazy.
Finding a Financial Planner

What to expect when you're seeking a financial planner and how to find one that's a good fit for your company.
Performance Reviews and Compensation Questions

Victoria Downing of Remodelers Advantage Roundtables asks remodelers whether they discuss compensation with employees during the performance review or hold it for a second meeting.
Best Foot Forward

It is essential that your employees put their best foot forward when connecting with clients.
Build Trust Along with Processes

Build trust along with processes before delegating responsibility to key employees.
Working Interview

A working interview can help you find the best employees for your company.
Taking the Guesswork Out of Hiring

Using an on-boarding process for new employees can take the guesswork out of hiring.
Connecting With Other Remodelers

"Competing" remodeling businesses learning from one another benefits companies and clients.

BIG50

CLOSE UP

Big50 CloseUp: David Tyson

David Tyson's Charlotte, N.C., company is getting set for growth.
Keeping Systems Up to Date

Since the economic slowdown reached the outskirts of Washington, D.C., remodeler Ed Castle has had to take an uncharacteristically proactive approach to marketing.

SECOND LOOK

SecondLook: Steven Whitlock

This long-lived remodeling firm mixes custom home building, remodeling, and excellent customer service to keep the company going.
SecondLook: David Heaney

This Delaware remodeler has diversified his business by providing customized space plans and estimating services for health facilities..

SOLUTIONS

Q+A: Do You Raise or Lower Prices or Bids Based on Economic Conditions?

This Q&A with Big50 remodelers asks how the economy affects their pricing and bidding.
Teaching Customer Care

How do you teach your employees and subcontractors customer service skills?

KITCHEN AND BATH

DESIGN CLINIC

Odd Master Suite Plan Revived With Better Flow and Updated Finishes

A master suite makeover creates a more cohesive bathroom and takes advantage of the view. Finishes include cherry cabinets, cedar, slate-look porcelain tile, and granite.

SPEC BOOK

New Products From Toilet Manufacturers American Standard, Caroma, Kohler, and Laufen.

New products from American Standard, Caroma, Kohler, and Laufen
New Lighting Products for Bath Remodels

Lighting products from WAC Lighting, Studio Italia, Kichler, and Sea Gull Lighting.

Management

Residential Design Book About Accessibility

New book to help designers create homes that allow homeowners to age in place.
Accessibility Showroom

A new showroom offers products and installations for aging clients and those with disabilities.
A New Space for This Remodeling Company Means New Opportunities

A new building houses a large showroom that showcases the expertise of Allied Kitchen & Bath.

REPLACEMENT

SIDING

Siding Replacement Can Boost Energy Performance

For homeowners who care about energy efficiency, siding replacement offers a great opportunity to boost a home's energy performance.

SUSTAINABILITY

GREEN SPEAK

Recyling Dell Computers

Dell is making it easier for small businesses to donate and recycle old computers.
HIRI Green Home Improvement Survey

Survey with insights into how green issues affect consumers' attitudes and behaviors in home improvement

GREEN SPEC

New Green Products for the Remodeling Market

Green products from WaterFurnace, Eco-Heater, Danze, and iLevel by Weyerhaeuser.

PRODUCTS

FIRST LOOK

New Products for Remodelers From Bosch, HomeCrest Cabinetry, Atlantic Premium Shutters, and 2BenchSolutions.

New products from Bosch, HomeCrest Cabinetry, Atlantic Premium Shutters, and 2BenchSolutions.
New Products for the Remodeling Market

New products from Owens Corning, Tile-Redi, Johnson Controls, Ainsworth Engineered, Fisher & Paykel, Armstrong Cabinets, NuCedar Mills, and Peachtree.

IN FOCUS

Jobsite Safety Products and Worker Gear

Jobsite safety products and worker gear from Gateway Safety, Capital Safety, North Safety, and Timberland Pro.
Rough Hardware Products for Remodelers

Rough hardware products from Duo-Fast, LE Johnson, Arcus, and Ridgid.
Trucks and Accessories for Remodelers

New model year designs and high-tech accessories can help improve your truck fleet.
2008 Holiday Gift Guide

Great holiday gifts for remodelers and their clients.
New Gypsum, Backerboard, and Underlyament Products for Remodelers

Products from Temple-Inland, Goldblatt Tool Co., Polyglass USA, Serious Materials, and WR Meadows.
New Tools for the Remodeling Market

New tools from SawStop, Cooper Hand Tools, Boar Blades, DeWalt, Task Tools, Hilti, Bosch, and Klein Tools.

TRENDS

Advances in Thermostat Technology

New technology makes thermostat operation easier and more precise for homeowners and remodelers.
Low-Visibility Window Screens

Excellent visibility insect screens, or EVIS, are becoming more popular options for a clearer view to the outside.
LED Flashlights

LED technology makes new flashlights a bright spot in your toolbox.

LAST WORD

Bench Mark

Cutting Costs

By now your 2009 budget should be nearly complete — how does it look? Are you making the money you, as owner, need to make?
Small Changes in Sales and Expenses Lead to Big Boost in Profit

Incremental adjustments in critical financial benchmarks are less disruptive than drastic changes — and often more effective.

Table of Contents 2008

FEATURES

Cost vs. Value Report

Wage and Benefit Survey

VIEW POINT

FIRST WORD

Dot Comment

News + Notes

Local Forecast

MARKET WATCH

COMMENTARY

GUEST COLUMNIST

LINDA CASE

MARK RICHARDSON

SHAWN MCCADDEN

YOUR BUSINESS

Sales and Marketing

BOTTOM LINE

BY DESIGN

FIELD NOTES

GOOD FORM

Tech at Work

Ways + Means

BIG50

CLOSE UP

SECOND LOOK

SOLUTIONS

KITCHEN AND BATH

DESIGN CLINIC

SPEC BOOK

Management

REPLACEMENT

SIDING

SUSTAINABILITY

GREEN SPEAK

GREEN SPEC

PRODUCTS

FIRST LOOK

IN FOCUS

TRENDS

LAST WORD

Bench Mark

OTHER ARTICLES