To strengthen the block foundation, workers placed rebar in all the corners, grouted the cores, and used Dur-O-Wal wire mesh on every other course. A pilaster of interlocking block reinforced with rebar at the midpoint of the longest wall provided additional lateral strength.
To strengthen the block foundation, workers placed rebar in all the corners, grouted the cores, and used Dur-O-Wal wire mesh on every other course. A pilaster of interlocking block reinforced with rebar at the midpoint of the longest wall provided additional lateral strength.

When I was starting out as a remodeler, some 25 years ago, I’d spend nights and weekends working on estimates for big projects I knew our company might not get — and many hours doing accounting and payroll when we did land one of those jobs. Over time, though, I realized I was happier with smaller projects, like kitchen and bath remodels and room additions, so I downsized the company. Running a smaller business means that I spend more time on site and less time in the office. At present, we’re a C corporation with three employees and an annual volume that ranges between $500,000 and $800,000.

Part of our strategy for remaining profitable has been to do as much of the work as we can in-house, including drywall, flooring, tile, and painting, as well as all rough and finish carpentry. This approach has not only helped us stay busy in the current slow market — it has also kept us on track when the market was hot and subs were more...

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