Table of Contents August 2010

Features

• The Remodeling 550

  The Remodeling 550 is a list of the nation's largest residential renovation companies.

   
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  Replacement Contractors

  The 170 companies on this list specialize in a few product lines — often roofing, siding, and windows, but also acrylic bathtub liners, kitchen cabinet refacing, and basement waterproofing.

   
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  Insurance Restoration

  A house catches fire and the second floor is gutted. A toilet cracks while the homeowner is on vacation, sending a stream of water out the door, ruining walls, ceilings, structure, and furnishings.

   
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  Full-Service Remodelers

  Full-service remodeling companies offer general contractor services in renovation projects ranging from whole-house remodels to handyman jobs such as changing out doorknobs.

   
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  Franchises

  The franchise industry accounts for 40% of retail sales in the U.S., according to AZfranchises.com, and one out of every 12 U.S. businesses, according to FranchiseFunding.net.

   

Viewpoint

First Word

• Feast and Famine

  Times have been tough for remodelers, but it doesn't make good business sense to just take any job because it's there. Stick to best practices, even in trying times.

   

Market Watch

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  A Steep Hill to Climb

  Recent research indicates that small-business employment numbers are still in the red.

   

Figure This

• August 2010 Figure This

  While the numbers are getting better over time, the industry continues to struggle with unemployment.

   

Local Forecast

• Back to Basics in Boulder

  Colorado remodeler now has a variety of projects under way, but their scope is much smaller than the company is used to.

   

Commentary

Linda Case

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  Little Games, Big Solutions

  Using mini-games to engage and challenge employees to solve management problems.

   

Mark Richardson

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  Balance Takes Discipline

  Today the speed and complexity of events can easily knock your life out of kilter. A little discipline can help you get back on track.

   

Shawn McCadden

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  Five Timely Investments

  From sales training to a dashboard of key metrics, five investment suggestions that will pay off by strengthening your business.

   

Your Business

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  Price It Right

  Basic estimating principles for breaking even on your projects.

   

• Measuring Your Team

  Two key metrics for measuring team strength.

   
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  Public Perception

  A professional public relations firm provides a return on investment with improved brand recognition

   
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  Web Driven

  J.J. Swartz Co. updates its website to reach Internet-savvy customers.

   
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  RRP Rules Delayed?

  Reading between the lines on a recent Environmental Protection Agency Renovation, Repair and Painting memorandum.

   
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  Catch the Buzz

  Word-of-mouth builds brand. And if you want to boost the buzz about your company, social media is a great way to position yourself as an expert and get people talking.

   

Your Clients

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  Radius Marketing

  Radius marketing offers a simple way for remodelers to connect with prospects. Companies such as JobSiteMailing.com make it easy to create a radius marketing campaign.

   
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  Have I Got a Guy for You

  Don't be afraid to ask for referrals or pay referral fees.

   
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  Taking It to the Streets

  After an ordinance director ordered it to remove a letter board from in front of its office, Newmyer Distinctive Remodeling attached its signs to a cube van and parked it out front instead.

   
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  Double Exposure

  For one remodeler, videotaping projects throughout the remodeling process pays off with more accurate estimates and improved client communication.

   
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  Learning Curve

  Consumers are thirsty for knowledge about how to save money on energy costs. The Energy Pros help educate both consumers and building professionals about home performance.

   

Your Team

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  Access From Anywhere

  Pogoplug (a network-attached storage device) lets you access and share digital content stored in your office from any laptop or desktop with Internet access.

   

• Taking the Hassle out of Hiring

  For Susan Pierce of Commonwealth Home Remodelers, in Virginia, Craigslist online classifieds are convenient and relatively inexpensive, offering a better way to hire.

   
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  Define Your Time

  As company owner, you must identify those areas of responsibility that are most important to your company's success — or you risk getting mired in the day-to-day and neglecting your longer-term goals.

   

• Legally Speaking, Rehire = New Hire

  As an employer rehiring a former employee, here's what should know with regard to benefits and vacation.

   
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  Call It a Comeback

  Some remodelers are rehiring laid-off employees and reinstating benefits they cut during the recession.

   

Your Projects

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  Residential Design Trends

  The American Institute of Architects survey reveals trends of interest to remodelers.

   
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  Remodeling for Resale

  When it comes to resale, you can help clients make the changes to their home that really count and will help the home sell.

   
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  Turning Point

  Two curved staircase projects that highlight artful design and great craftsmanship.

   
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  Transformers

  Reimagining a room's purpose brings new life to underused spaces.

   

Home Performance

• Why Building Performance Matters

  Paying attention to the details that improve building performance is important — it can buy us time.

   

Sustainability

Green Speak

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  A Balanced Approach

  Sage Builders helps steer its clients and state policy toward sustainability.

   

Green Spec

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  Cali Bamboo CaliCork Cork Flooring

  The maker's first cork flooring line, CaliCork, is a ready-to-lay product made from cork used in wineries.

   
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  Broan Solar Powered Attic Ventilator

  Unlike other powered attic ventilators (PAV) that kick in when a given thermostat setting is reached, the Solar Powered Attic Ventilator begins running at first light.

   
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  Fireclay Tile Debris Series Recycled Tile

  Incorporating more than 62% recycled materials, Debris Series recycled tile features a unique clay body that contains more post-industrial and post-consumer waste than any other tile on the market.

   

Products

In Focus

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  Rocky Mountain Hardware Briggs Collection

  The Briggs Collection represents a complete line of door hardware and accessories that combine artistic hand-carved designs and sand-casting experience.

   
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  Baldwin Hardware Keyless Entry Deadbolt

  Increasing security by eliminating the need for keys, the Keyless Entry Deadbolt offers high-tech function in two styles.

   
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  Kwikset Belleview Door Handle and Balboa Lever

  The Belleview handle and Balboa lever are both available with the maker's SmartKey re-key technology.

   
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  Schlage SecureKey Locks and Deadbolts

  Rather than replace a lock, homeonwers can rekey SecureKey locks and deadbolts quickly without removing the lock from the door.

   
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  DeWalt 12 Volt MAX Lithium Ion Platform

  The newly introduced 12 Volt MAX Lithium Ion platform features a broad range of tools ideal for remodelers, builders, and constructoin trades.

   
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  Alltrade Tools Snap-On Brand Toolbags

  Designed to meet the demands of professionals, the new Snap-On brand toolbag product line includes soft-sided tool storage bags, roller bags, wide-mouth bags, bucket totes, and more.

   
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  Rolling Trades PCW Portable Carpentry Workshop

  The Portable Carpentry Workshop (PCW) lets users save time by transforming jobsite setup into an easy operation.

   
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  Milwaukee Hackzall M18 Cordless One-Handed Recip Saw

  The Hackzall M18 cordless one-handed recip saw is the newest product in the M18 Lithium-Ion product line.

   
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  Simpson Mastermark Collection Exterior Doors

  Featuring ornate surface molding and designer-inspired decorative glass, Mastermark Collection exterior doors are available in three designs.

   
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  Jeld-Wen Aurora Custom Fiberglass Doors in Douglas Fir

  A new Douglas Fir species style has been added to the Aurora Custom Fiberglass door line.

   
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  ODL Severe Weather Doorglass

  An updated line of Severe Weather Doorglass is engineered to withstand damaging weather conditions, such as hurricanes and hail exposure.

   
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  Therma-Tru Picture Perfect Visual Designer

  Help clients get a better visual understanding of how a new entry door will impact their home's curb appeal with Picture Perfect Visual Designer.

   

First Look

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  DuPont Corian Metallics

  Eight new metallic colors have been added to the Corian solid surfacing line.

   
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  Kalamazoo Outdoor Gourmet K900 Hybrid Grill

  A makeover of the flagship K900 Hybrid Grill features a new hybrid grilling drawer system, and a redesigned spring-assisted hood.

   
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  Crown Heritage Staircase Transformer System

  Quickly and inexpensively upgrade a home's staircase with The Transformer System.

   
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  Armstrong Rustics Premium New England Long Plank Laminate Flooring

  With the look of a hand-scraped and oiled finish. Rustics Premium New England Long Plank laminate flooring measures a dramatic seven feet long.

   

Home Performance

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  NCFI InsulStar Closed-Cell Spray Polyurethane Foam Insulation

  Made from up to 20% renewable agricultural products, InsulStar closed-cell spray polyurethane foam insulation provides R values higher than R-6 per inch.

   
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  Fiber America Green Seal Cellulose Fiber Insulation Line

  In addition to its loose fill product line, fiberAmerica now offers an all-borate loose fill, all-borate wall spray, and a stabilized insulation product.

   
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  Fomo Products Handi-Foam Spray Polyurethane Foam Sealant

  Designed specifically to stop air infiltration and improve energy efficiency, Handi-Foam spray polyurethane foam helps create a tighter building envelope.

   
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  Dow SafeTouch Fiberglass-Free Insulation

  SafeTouch Fiberglass-Free Insulation is manufactured from the same polyester fiber material used in clothing and bedding.

   

Other Articles

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  Woodharbor CastPointe Frameless Cabinets

  The ESP-certified company's CastPoint frameless cabinets are made with EPP-certified low-formaldehyde wood made from SCS-certified 100% recycled material.

   
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  Woodharbor CastPointe Frameless Cabinets

  The ESP-certified company's CastPoint frameless cabinets are made with EPP-certified low-formaldehyde wood made from SCS-certified 100% recycled material.

   

LastWord

Good Form

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  It’s Systematic

  Remodeler Frank Wickstead asks clients to review this checklist of enhancements for their home including home performance and green options.

   

Other Articles

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  Houzer Novus Sink

  The Novus sink offers dual sliding platforms that can function as drain, prep, or chopping boards in various combinations.

   
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  Blanco Ronis Sink

  With a unique round shape and floating accessories tray, the Ronis sink helps create a versatile entertainment system and prep space.

   
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  Cosentino Silestone Integrity Sink

  The Silestone Integrity sink is made from one piece of Silestone, offering a seamless sink and surface integration.

   
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  Villeroy & Boch Geometric Loop & Friends Collection

  The popular Loop & Friends collection has been expanded to include surface-mounted washbasins in round, square, rectangular, and oval configurations.

   

• Q&A: Budget K&B

  We ask: What cost-effective design choices are clients making for their kitchen and bath projects?