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Gather accurate information for your estimates

Getting Paid for Preconstruction Advice

Use a "professional services agreement" to get compensated for consulting time
Assisted Living in Your Own Backyard

Prefab builders look to extend the backyard “granny flat” concept to seniors with special medical needs, but local zoning requirements are...
What's the Payback for Becoming a Home Performance Contractor?

A successful drywall installer explores the pros and cons of adding home performance contracting to his business

When Can I Throw Away My ... (Subscriber content)

From a March 2013 discussion about business tools that are becoming obsolete
Good Idea

Reader feedback on JLC's "Roof Truss Repair" Q&A
Using XactRemodel to Increase Profitability (Subscriber content)

The best part of this estimating software is its extensive database of item costs, says the author

Using XactRemodel to Increase Profitability (Subscriber content)

The best part of this estimating software is its extensive database of item costs, says the author
Anticipating Price Fluctuations (Subscriber content)

Contractors need to allow for material and labor price increases that may occur after they submit a quote
The 10-Minute Profit Check (Subscriber content)

Checking weekly that actual expenses are in line with the estimate alerts you to overruns

Roof Rules

Reader feedback on "Roofers Face Flood of New State Laws"
Good Idea

Reader feedback on JLC's "Roof Truss Repair" Q&A
Florida County Counts 1,900 Chinese Drywall Houses

Lee County, Florida has 1,900 Chinese drywall-tainted houses on its tax rolls (officially). The true number is uncertain.

Michigan Builders Feeling Labor Pinch

Down and out a few years ago, Michigan’s building industry is coming back. But a shortage of skilled workers worries builders.
New York City to Revamp Sandy Rebuilding Program, Says Mayor

New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg says the city is ready to step up its Sandy rebuilding program with a reorganized effort called “NYC Build It Back.”
Florida Builders See Boom on the Way

A Southwest Florida panel of builders and realtors agreed this month that the Manatee-Sarasota region is heating up fast. And they weren’t talking about the weather.

Michigan Builders Feeling Labor Pinch

Down and out a few years ago, Michigan’s building industry is coming back. But a shortage of skilled workers worries builders.
New York City to Revamp Sandy Rebuilding Program, Says Mayor

New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg says the city is ready to step up its Sandy rebuilding program with a reorganized effort called “NYC Build It Back.”
Florida Builders See Boom on the Way

A Southwest Florida panel of builders and realtors agreed this month that the Manatee-Sarasota region is heating up fast. And they weren’t talking about the weather.

Preventing Handoff Errors (Subscriber content)

Putting all the paperwork for a project in a single notebook ensures details don't get lost during the transition from sales to production
Breaking Through the Language Barrier

Going back to school to learn Spanish can pay big dividends in the field
Active vs. Passive Fall Protection

Either guardrails or safety harness systems can be used to proect workers from falls