Like many, David Pekel, CR, president of Pekel Construction & Remodeling Inc., based in Wauwatosa, Wis., found himself at a crossroads during the height of the recession. “First of all, the way we were doing things wasn’t achieving results, and second, our sales dropped by more than 60 percent,” he says.

September 30, 2012 | 73 comments

To David Roberts, president of Roberts Construction Group Inc. in Evanston, Ill., project management is all about executing the plan. He was formerly working under a lead carpenter system and decided that larger, more complex projects needed a single person committed to making sure execution is just right.

September 30, 2012 | 3 comments

On August 24, 2009, EPA entered into a settlement agreement with several litigants that challenged the 2008 Renovation, Repair, and Painting rule. Under this agreement, EPA agreed
to sign a proposal to regulate renovations of public and commercial buildings by September 14, 2012) and to take final action by February 15, 2014.

September 24, 2012 | 1 comments

As we near the end of Subcontractor Appreciation Month, the National Association of the Remodeling Industry (NARI) wants to recognize its subcontractor member as professionals who provide specialized services to homeowners through partnerships with NARI contractors.

September 22, 2012 | 1 comments

The “Pulse of the Home Improvement Industry” is presented by the Home Improvement Research Institute (HIRI). The following is from the September 2012 monthly report, which provides a quick overview of the latest home improvement industry data from a variety of sources, and measures growth by comparing new data with previous data.

September 17, 2012 | 1 comments

Remodelers know that image draws in new clients. In the end, honesty, quality and dependability are just some of the traits by which a homeowners will eventually evaluate the company they choose, but initially, what catches their eye will be project pictures.

September 09, 2012 | 9 comments

Gary Rochman, owner of Rochman Design-Build, was excited to celebrate his company’s 20th anniversary. Instead of throwing a party or issuing a press release, Rochman came up with unique way to celebrate and promote his company.

September 08, 2012 | 2 comments

Budd Shamroth utilized 20 years of experience as president of Before and After Remodeling of Rockville Centre, N.Y., to develop and manufacture a product for the home based on the necessity of his clients. Unexpectedly, that product has given him an extra edge over his competition, increasing revenue in his remodeling business.

September 08, 2012 | 2 comments

Earning a certification is a great marketing tool to tout your expertise to your potential clients.  Unlike other professions, remodeling often doesn’t have any requirements for entry, in the way being an attorney or doctor does. Because of these lack of barriers, it’s important for remodelers to stand out from the competition by earning certifications that signify a higher knowledge level and professionalism.

Bella Babot, director of marketing and human resources at Harrell Remodeling Inc., based in Mountain View, Calif., knows how to party. Remodelers have a huge opportunity to build relationships and dispel myths about remodeling companies through hosting client events, she says.

September 06, 2012 | 2 comments

One of the pillars of NARI’s strategic plan is workforce development, an item that NARI has been working on through its participation in SkillsUSA’s TeamWorks competition. SkillsUSA is a non-profit organization that enlists industry professionals and teachers as partners in preparing students in high school and post-secondary school for careers in trade, technical and skilled service occupations.

September 04, 2012 | 2 comments

Thank you to those who completed the NARI Members Needs Assessment, which measured the value and participation level of key member programs. As an organization that exists to serve its members, it is important to ask members for their opinions about the products and services the association provides and for input on the value we could be providing to our members moving forward.

September 03, 2012 | 1 comments

DreamBuilders Home & Remodeling in El Dorado Hills, Calif. found most of its business through referrals. However, eight years ago, owners Kathe Russell, CKBR, and Mike Russell, CR, decided to grow their business, and as part of the new marketing mix, added exhibiting at a home show.

September 01, 2012 | 2 comments

In light of the recent announcement by the Occupational Safety & Health Administration (OSHA) that it will provide another three-month extension on the enforcement of federal fall protection guidelines (the new date is Dec. 12, 2012),  it’s time to remind those in the remodeling industry how to avoid getting fined by OSHA.