Features

Wage + Benefit Survey

  • 2010 Wage + Benefit Survey

    REMODELING's biennial survey shows that, despite cutbacks, remodeling company owners remain positive.

     

Viewpoint

First Word

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    Making Progress

    Let's start with two suggested changes the remodeling industry must make if it wants to see progress when the economy recovers.

     

Market Watch

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    Home Star Stalled

    The Home Star program introduced earlier this year is on hold in Congress.

     

Figure This

Local Forecast

Commentary

Linda Case

Mark Richardson

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    Stormy Waters

    Remodelers need to adjust to the current economic conditions by setting a new course and navigating carefully.

     

Shawn McCadden

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    Employee Expectations

    During the recovery, smart employees will gauge your performance — and the performance of your competitors. Does your company offer what it takes to keep good people?

     

Your Business

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    Lien Times

    Though liens offer protection for remodeling companies that are having trouble getting payment from a client, remodelers should use liens carefully and sparingly.

     
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    Safeguard the Cloud

    If you depend on "the cloud" — using the Web for networking, file storage, and to run business applications — make sure you always have reliable Internet access.

     
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    Workplace Crackdown

    More states — the latest being Pennsylvania — take aim at the construction industry with a new worker-misclassification law.

     
  • Predicting Sales

    Are you stressed about sales? Use this dashboard and sample worksheet to track the revenue you can count on.

     
  • Schedule Support

    Web-based program Appointment-Plus helps make setting appointments easier.

     
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    Career Move

    How one remodeler closed his company to head up a new-construction company's remodeling division.

     

Your Clients

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    Booking Sales

    To educate clients about his company and to emphasize its longevity and principles, Tom Sertich, president of Kirk Development, uses a presentation book.

     
  • Growing Together

    Service and structure help to nurture relationships with long-term clients who keep coming back to Mitchell Construction for their remodeling work year after year.

     
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    Client Contractors

    Letting clients get their hands dirty has become a business boon for one remodeling company.

     

Your Team

  • Two Weeks’ Notice

    Ways to avoid compromising your company's “employment at will” rights.

     
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    Need a Hand?

    Originating in the Bay Area, but with plans to expand nationally, Worker Express offers skilled tradespeople for hire, ready to meet construction companies' staffing needs.

     
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    Party Trooper

    People and Skills: Even in a tough economy, team-building activities and company events are important for boosting morale and bringing you team together.

     
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    Making the Cut

    In addition to other belt-tightening, the management team of Repp Construction opted for a 10% pay cut.

     
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    Leading the Field

    Though the common practice is to promote a lead carpenter to the position of production manger, the skills required for each of these jobs is quite different.

     
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    Charted Territory

    One remodeling company finds that putting all the information for its jobs on a giant whiteboard is most effective and can shave time off projects.

     

Your Projects

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    Air It Out

    Large windows update the kitchen and bring in light and ventilation.

     
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    Inspiration Ahead

    Interior designers take note: Pantone offers nine color palettes for 2011.

     
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    Sound Check

    Open floor plans can be noisy. Some tips for reducing sound transmission and keeping noise levels down.

     
  • See-Through Style

    Translucent panels provide separation of spaces while still allowing light to penetrate.

     

Home Performance

  • Now or Never

    Selling sustainability is usually best done up front and not presented in terms of ROI but in terms of home comfort and safety, and indoor air quality.

     

Sustainability

Green Speak

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    Solar Party

    Solar education for friends and neighbors in a casual party setting gets an enthusiastic response.

     
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    Green Inspiration

    A contractor hopes his spec home and remodeling project spark homeowner interest in energy-efficiency and green building practices.

     

Products

Stimulus

In Focus

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    Knaack PowerCrew 15-Amp In-Box Power Supply

    Compatible with any brand or style of jobsite box, the PowerCrew 15-amp in-box power supply offers safer in-box power that nearly eliminates the risk of shock or fire, the maker says.

     
  • 2011 Ford E-Series: Americas best-selling full-size van for 31 years running, Ford E-Series marks its 50th anniversary in 2011 by offering premium technology to better serve customers. (06/18/2010)

    Ford 2011 E-Series Vans

    Celebrating its 50th anniversary year, 2011 E-Series vans offer advanced features including Sync hands-free, voice-activated communications, and a navigation system with HD radio.

     
  • 2011 GMC Savana 2500 Cargo Van. X11FC_GM001 (06/22/2010)  (United States)

    GMC Compressed Natural Gas Full-Size Vans

    Chevrolet Express and GMC Savana full-size vans will be available with a compressed natural gas (CNG) fuel option.

     
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    TruckWrks Truck Bed Slide Out

    Constructed with welded steel, and powder coated for durability and long life, the Truck Bed Slide Out gives users easy access to equipment and materials in truck beds.

     
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    iPort CM2000 and CM100 Mounts for iPad and iPod Touch

    Housed in attractive in-wall frames, CM2000 for iPad and CM100 for iPod Touch allow the devices to display weather, news, stocks, and other apps, and easily connect to A/V receivers.

     
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    Advector Systems Select-Air Wireless Zoned HVAC System

    As part of the Select-Air System, inVent wireless dampers work with the Advisor control system, Sub-Advisor wireless thermostat, and Flex wireless temperature sensor to manage zoned HVAC.

     
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    Video Mount Products IWB-1 Flat Panel In-Wall Box Adapter

    The IWB-1 flat panel In-Wall Box Adapter gives A/V installers the opportunity to recess flat-panel TVs within the wall between 16-inch studs.

     
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    Atdec VF-AT-AA Dual-Screen Arm

    Ideal for high-functioning home offices, or a sports bar "man cave," the VF-AT-AA dual-screen arm supports two monitors to upgrdae the workspace or entertainment center experience.

     

First Look

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    American Clay Up & EZ! Binder Material

    With the Up & EZ! binder material, a roll-on application of American Clay plaster interior finishes is now available.

     
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    Nora Lighting LED High-Output Tape Light

    Suitable for cove lighting, display or kitchen cabinets, and other architectural niches, the tape light is also a solution for lighting home show displays and exhibits.

     
  • Template Drywall Repair Tool

    Flexible plastic templates feature random knock-down designs that let users replicate knock-down textures to the rest of the wall after a drywall repair.

     
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    Lenova PermaClean Drain System

    The PermaClean Drain System has a streamlined design that eliminates disposal and drain seams for a smooth, sanitary, high-end look.

     

LastWord

Good Form

  • Matrix for Improvement

    Kleithermes Home & Remodeling uses this matrix to measure and update company goals and to hold staff accountable for working toward those goals.

     

Other Articles

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    Smart Selections

    At Houston's Greymark Construction, having bathroom selections decided before the job is put on the schedule helps ensure a smooth, efficient process.

     
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    American Innovative Products EnviroFlush

    Unlike flappers, the EnviroFlush uses water displacement rather than a barrier to regulate flushes, eliminate leaking, and save water.

     
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    American Standard Studio, Tropic, and Evolution 2 High-Efficiency Toilets

    Studio, Tropic, and Evolution 2 HETs offer styles that range from traditional to contemporary, plus improved water savings over standard toilets.

     
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    Coway Premium Bidet Product Line

    The BA-13 bidet was customized for U.S. homes to fit any toilet type or size, while the BA-17 eco-friendly model is self-powered using water pressure to generate electricity.

     
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    Waterless Co. No-Water Urinals

    Unlike other home urinals, No-Water Urinals do not have flush valves and require only a hook-up to discharge waste down sewer pipes, similar to a toilet.

     
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    Dealer Advantage

    Remodelers who are cabinet dealers can help meet the needs of price-sensitive consumers.