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Features

Cost vs. Value Report

  • Lower Limit

    Falling home prices have pushed the value of remodeling investments down, but small-scale projects and replacements may be leading the way to recovery.

     

  • That Gurgling Sound

    If the neighbors are underwater, how to keep your clients high and dry.

     

  • Not Betting on Bling

    New appraisal laws and decreased home values are diminishing the appraised value of many home improvements and the perceived return on investment of higher-end improvements in particular.

     

  • Project Costs Hold Steady

    In a tough economy with consumers putting projects on hold or downsizing project scope, remodelers are having to rework all aspects of their business to keep projects competitively priced.

     

  • Curb Appeal Is King

    Eight of the top 10 Cost vs. Value projects in 2009-10 involve the outside of the home. Here’s why.

     

  • Kitchen Sense

    In a down economy, homeowners are cautious about remodeling, but they realize that kitchens and baths are still good investments.

     

View Point

  • Prevailing Wages, Sustaining Work

    For some remodelers, weatherization contracts offer a way to make good money at a time when jobs are harder to come by.

     

  • It Ain’t Over

    Amidst signs of an economic uptick, the Cost vs. Value Report still indicates that it will be awhile before remodelers see a boost in business. In the meantime, small projects continue to dominate.

     

  • Ending the Year With a Bang

    After a slow year, a New Hampshire remodeler expects signficant work in the fourth quarter.

     

  • November 2009 Figure This

    Some vital statistics about the money behind and need for contractors to do federal Weatherization Assistance Program work.

     

Commentary

Linda Case

  • How to Thrive

    Columnist and consultant Linda Case visits "the coolest small company in America" and brings back some lessons for remodelers.

     

Mark Richardson

  • Figuratively Speaking

    Clear, effective communication with your clients and your team is a challenge, but it's a goal worth striving for.

     

Shawn McCadden

  • New Year, New Team

    Learning theory shows that people are most ready for change under conditions of moderate tension or anxiety. Are you and your staff ready yet?

     

Your Business

Ways + Means

  • From Sales to Sales Management

    You may be a veteran when it comes to selling, but moving from remodeling sales to being a sales manager entails taking on a new set of responsibilities.

     

  • Ask the Expert: Edward Voytovich

    When it comes to "green" building, there is hype, and then there are the green building practices that are essential for remodelers to know about, such as combustion safety.

     

  • Purchase Order Power

    Purchase orders help remodelers not only keep track of estimates and costs, but help them to budget accurately.

     

  • Social Call

    More remodelers are using social netowrking sites to find qualified employees.

     

  • Final Handoff

    Don't let the economic downturn stop succession plans for your business.

     

Bottom Line

  • Pricing Research

    A Michigan remodelers council helps homeowners research cost ranges for common remodeling projects.

     

  • Economic Adjustments

    A Minnesota remodeler cuts overhead and retrains staff in an effort to ride out the rough economy.

     

Sales + Marketing

  • Friend Now, Sell Later

    Homeowners are increasingly going online first to find remodelers. Social media are fast becoming remodeling must-dos.

     

  • Signs of Celebration

    To celebrate 20 years in business, Rochman Design-Build launched an "interactive scavenger hunt" featuring 60 homes it has remodeled over 20 years.

     

Field Notes

  • The 5 Essentials of Jobsite Leadership

    Remodeling consultant and lead carpenter authority Tim Faller identifies five key principles of jobsite leadership.

     
  • OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA

    The New S(uper)OPs

    An outhouse-hider, a safety bucket, and all-in-one job signs are the kinds of standard operating procedures that any remodeler can put to work.

     

By Design

  • Out of the Woods

    NEWwoodworks' reclaimed wood doors bring old-world solidity to new designs.

     

Tech@Work

  • Develop Your Social Media Strategy

    An organized approach to your social media efforts will pay off. Plan a social media campaign that fits your company's mission/value statement and measure the results.

     

  • Pull Them In

    HubSpot helps remodelers convert Web site visits to leads and more

     

Good Form

  • Permit Pending

    Permitting can be a convoluted process. To ensure that nothing is forgotten and that communication is clear, Atlanta Design & Build created this simple form.

     

K+B

Design Clinic

  • Window Wash

    Tips and techniques for installing a window in the shower.

     

Spec Book

  • Vent-A-Hood Designer Series Range Hoods

    The new Designer Series features statement-making rangehoods with the signature Magic Lung blower.

     

  • Kobe Copper Hood Series

    The new Copper Hood Series lets users choose from elegant standard designs or a custom design in any motif to add a unique focal point to the kitchen.

     

  • Broan Elite E60000 and E64000 Series Range Hoods

    Elite E64000 and E60000 Series rangehoods add a professional look to kitchens.

     
  • Zephyr, a leading manufacturer of kitchen ventilation hoods, announces the launch of its new Plane hood - a striking geometric form that infuses new shapes, material and technology into the kitchen. The Plane is part of Zephyr's Arc Collection, a line of ventilation hoods from industrial designer Robert Brunner, which blurs the line between kitchen appliance and consumer electronic. Featuring a sleek wall mount profile, innovative technology and strong ventilation power, the Plane elevates the ventilation hood to high design status. (PRNewsFoto/Zephyr)

    Zephyr Plane Vent Hood

    Featuring a striking geometric and aesthetic form, the Plane vent hood incorporates stainless steel and black or wihte rectangular glass to give an illusion that the hood is growing out from the wall.

     

Sustainability

Green Speak

  • Advancing Interest

    An Arizona remodeler offers energy audits to build his company's reputation for green building.

     

  • Green Reputation

    Landis Construction's website, office building, and projects draw clients who are interested in sustainability.

     

Products

Stimulus

In Focus

First Look

Other Articles

  • Getting It Right

    Plan for 2010 using realistic targets for volume, gross profit, and owner compensation.

     
 
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