Remodelers, Use These Ideas to Refresh the ‘Hedgehog’ Business Model
Jim Collins literally wrote the book on building a successful company. Good to Great, published in 2001, is one of the classic management manifestos,...
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What Sales + Marketing Problem Are You Trying to Solve?
In any given week, plenty of marketing problems need your attention. You’re stretched thin by numerous demands on your energy and focus, and it’s tempting to...
21 Things You Can Do TODAY to Improve Your Remodeling Business
Running a successful remodeling company isn’t easy. And trying to build one that can run without your day-to-day involvement is even harder. If you want to...
Homeowners Splurge on Primary Bath Shower Features, Study Finds
Although primary bathrooms continue to be one of the most popular rooms to renovate, the features within the spaces have evolved over the years. According to...
Seven Reasons Why Your Next Truck Should Not Be a Pickup Truck
Tradespeople are relentlessly hit with higher prices, but find it hard to raise their own pricing structure. Thus it becomes imperative to find ways to save...
The Dust-Free Jobsite Is Overdue
It helps to walk in someone else’s shoes—even the dust-covered shoes of a remodeling client. As a former contractor, I’ve generated my share of dust tearing...
This Is How You Have a Budget Conversation With Homeowners
Homeowners rarely have an accurate sense of how much their project will cost when they first speak with a remodeler. So you can imagine how important it is to...
Don't Want to Take Small Jobs? You Should. Here's How to Do Them While Keeping the Big Projects
Many remodeling companies and custom home builders have a niche. Some companies love the big jobs. Some prefer more modest work. The one thing that most...
Must-Haves for a Comprehensive Contract
Unless you have someone on staff who can do a Vulcan mind-meld with your customer, odds are you and your potential client will clash about something you...
Why You Shouldn't be Afraid to Say No to a Sale
Remodelers are trained to say yes from the day they start in the industry. “Yes, I can complete the job. Yes, we can come in at that time. Yes, we can add that...
Should Radios Be Banned on the Jobsite?
A recent survey polled 730 builders and found more than 80% of them had no policy prohibiting workers from enjoying their favorite tunes while on the job...
10 Tips for Getting More Leads From Home Shows
For most home improvement companies, generating leads and sales at home shows and events is a key part of the marketing plan. Some companies are better at this...
4 Ways to Exceed Expectations
Many years ago, I began thinking about the subject of exceeding expectations. I would field phone calls from upset clients or listen to team members’...
The Perfect Marketing Budget For 2017
Working with different-size builders across the nation has taught me many things. The first is that every builder is convinced that both they and their...
Sales Strategies For Custom Builders
The strengths of a home builder’s skill set typically include being adept at assessing risk, entitling land, securing permits, negotiating with finance people,...
Why "Good" Isn't Good Enough to Meet Client Expectations
Every business owner will tell you that it’s important to meet, and do your best to exceed, client expectations. Yet, what does that really mean or entail...
How Quickly Should You Grow Your Company?
A booming business is great, but it will only be profitable and worthwhile if you're able to handle the rapid expansion. If you're ill-equipped to handle the...
Do You Want to Be a Contractor or a Construction Business Owner?
Many remodelers launch a company without a business plan or any written goals. If that description fits, and if your business is close to the $1 million in...
How to Market Your Small Contractor Company
Without a doubt, the best marketing for a small contractor company starts with a job well done. That alone can showcase your company’s dedication to quality,...
Guide to Buying Better Lumber
The biggest factor in determining the type and quality of wood that you’ll use for your next project is the project itself. That’s because certain varieties of...
Getting your Contracting Business on the Internet
The construction business is one of the fastest growing industries once again, thanks to increase housing demand and lender activity. In today’s changing...
Creating a Better Team Will Create a More Efficient Job
Henry Ford was quoted as saying, “coming together is a beginning. Keeping together is progress. Working together is success.” In the construction business, a...
Window Moisture: What Your Windows Are Trying to Tell You
Window moisture is indicative of a larger problem. Over time, this moisture can lead to mold, mildew and eventually rotting of the trim and window framing....
Tips for Contractors When Hiring Employees
If you’re a contractor, then like most business owners, whether large or small, you are often faced with having to hire employees. For small businesses, the...
Tips for Building a Stair Case
Building a stair case can be an intimidating endeavor, regardless of skill level. Most of the time though, only a simple staircases is needed. No need for...