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. More
Current remodeling orthodoxy says bids are a thing of the past. But for some, including Atlanta remodeler Wright Marshall, architect-based bid work is still an essential part of the business. More
Shouldn't the building department bear some responsibility for keeping everything... More
It looks as though the green movement is here to stay, but some remodelers appear to be in denial. The one comment I hear over and over again is that green is too expensive, that customers are interested until they hear how much it's going to cost. More
It can be easy to get into problems if your warranty is not in compliance with federal law ó even if you are fulfilling customer claims. More
Most modern contracts account for at least some known and unknown risks such as force majeure events (e.g., unusually severe weather, labor strikes) and differing conditions on the project site. But one risk not often addressed is price fluctuations for labor, materials, and equipment. More
In the remodeling business, we generally use the term “inducement” to refer to the giving of something of value ó cash, a coupon, a free gift ó to a prospective customer and, in exchange, we are able to demonstrate the product, conduct a sales presentation, or close the sale. More
When Jim Sasko (Big50 2002) of Teakwood Builders returned to Saratoga Springs, N.Y., from a business/pleasure trip to Mexico, he learned a client, a health practitioner, had been charged with double billing patients. More
LeRoy Kay sold his 30-year-old construction business, Roy Kay Inc. of Freehold, N.J., to New York-based utility firm KeySpan in February of 2000. Newsday reported last August that court papers submitted by the Kays claim KeySpan misled them by not disclosing that SEC regulations would prohibit them from doing general contracting work -- 30% of their business -- after the sale. More
