Though liens offer protection for remodeling companies that are having trouble getting payment from a client, remodelers should use liens carefully and sparingly.
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.
More states — the latest being Pennsylvania — take aim at the construction industry with a new worker-misclassification law.
-
Are you stressed about sales? Use this dashboard and sample worksheet to track the revenue you can count on.
Web-based program Appointment-Plus helps make setting appointments easier.
How one remodeler closed his company to head up a new-construction company's remodeling division.
Joe Stoddard looks at two popular online services for backing up your computer files.
The National Association of Professionally Accredited Contractors: A new association aims to inform building industry professionals about legal and operational issues.
Working smarter means understanding the key elements of your business. You need to know what to measure and how to measure it.
-
To make sure your business can survive in this economy, you need real-time information about your business's performance. Set up systems that you can expand and upgrade as your company grows.
How one remodeler's brush with bankruptcy in 2003 has helped his business weather the current economic downturn.
-
Ways to avoid compromising your company's “employment at will” rights.
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.
People and Skills: Even in a tough economy, team-building activities and company events are important for boosting morale and bringing you team together.
In addition to other belt-tightening, the management team of Repp Construction opted for a 10% pay cut.
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.
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 office manager fills a key role at your company and is the first point of contact for many customers.
There are ways to ensure that your absence from your company doesn't derail the business.
Keeping up employee morale while contending with staff lay-offs and pay cuts is a challenge. Small gestures can be meaningful ways to boost morale.
A substantial benefits package and fair compensation help your company attract good employees and ensure that they stay.
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.
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.
Chevrolet Express and GMC Savana full-size vans will be available with a compressed natural gas (CNG) fuel option.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Compact in size, the 3100 Series is ideal for small space and zone heating applications, and is available in a choice of convection or radiant models.
The Roda collection of luxury shower enclosures was designed to offer a broad range of styles from which homeowners can choose to create their personal bath haven.
Thermique Towel Warmers incorporate a pane of clear, heated glass, rather than a series of metal tubes.
Handcrafted from recycled materials, the hammered copper Aspen bathtub is designed to complement a range of bathroom design styles.
Through a Web-based interface, CompuTool guides contractors through every step of a construction project from start to finish.
Based on Dell Latitude E-Family laptops and customized for contractors, four models of Ridgid Contractor Grade Laptops are available.
Comparis Rapid Estimating Software considers the maker's Trus Joist TJI joists, Edge Gold flooring panels, and other components to estimate floor systems based on materials prices and waste.
-
Ideal for electrical, plumbing, HVAC, and mechanical contractors, the software features shape recognition technology to spot receptacles, registers, switches, and more on construction plans.
Part of the Extreme Warming product line, N-Ferno 3-Layer FR Winter Liners offer three layers of warmth and protection for cold-weather workers.
Made of a hardy Fire Hose canvas similar to the maker's popular work pants, the Fire Hose Working Man's Vest combines two important features: comfort and pockets.
Addressing both protection and comfort, the X-Plore 1700 series of filtering facepiece respirators features CoolSafe filter material and a CoolMax exhalation valve.
The Serpent Ventilated Safety Helmet helps minimize heat buildup under the shell of the helmet while offering optimal head injury protection.
At Houston's Greymark Construction, having bathroom selections decided before the job is put on the schedule helps ensure a smooth, efficient process.
Unlike flappers, the EnviroFlush uses water displacement rather than a barrier to regulate flushes, eliminate leaking, and save water.
Studio, Tropic, and Evolution 2 HETs offer styles that range from traditional to contemporary, plus improved water savings over standard toilets.
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.
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.
Remodelers who are cabinet dealers can help meet the needs of price-sensitive consumers.
-
An aging hippie asks remodelers to turn on and tune in…to his online community to foster thoughtful and constructive dialogue about remodeling.
Kitchen mainstay or fad? We explore some examples of kitchens that include a beverage station.
Available in high-arc pulldown, single-handle with sidespray, and pulldown bar/prep styles, Arbor Collection faucets combine functionality with clean design.
Unlike living bronze finishes, Bella Terra Bronze features the look of oil-rubbed bronze and weathered copper, but will not change over time.
The Portsmouth bathroom collection takes its inspiration from Colonial Virginia, featuring cross handles and vintage detailing on the spout.
To expand on the trend of European-influenced products for the bath, the Euro-styled Reef Collection offers simple architecture with a square motif.