April 2013 Table of Contents

Features
How Online Reviews Affect Search Engine Optimization

We asked experts how online reviews relate to search engine optimization. Here's what they had to say about keeping your business's reputation at the top of search results. Read more

The Basics of Online Review Sites

An overview of online review sites and what they can and can't do for remodeling contractors. Read more

Friendly Recommendation: The Next Wave of Online Review Sites

The Angie's List model may not be able to sustain itself. New review sites are developing that are free to use and may ultimately be more trustworthy for consumers. Read more

First Word
The Webs They Weave: What Norman Rockwell Can Teach You About Angie's List

Online reviews are a relatively recent and powerful trend. But Craig Webb's editorial points out that the basic concept is not new. Read more

Dashboard
Where the Top 5% Live May Surprise You

Along with hedge-fund and high-tech capitals, the wealthy also live in some unusual places. Read more

Opinion
Don't Delegate Sales Early On

In a small remodeling company, invest in yourself rather than seeking to hand off this critical role to someone else. Read more

Have You Created a Culture of Fear at Your Company?

Your employees might be afraid to take responsiblity for their work. If this is a team-wide problem, it's time to examine your leadeship style and the culture of your company. Read more

Making It Memorable: Why Branding Matters

Jim Rafferty on why a consistent, ongoing branding strategy is essential: It positions your company in the minds of consumers, helping your other marketing efforts. Read more

Your Business
Cloud Control: Access to Project Info Made Easy

Cloud-based software, such as BuilderTrend, allows remodelers to update and access project information wherever they are. Read more

Know The Rules Regarding Overtime Pay

Avoid getting hit up for thousands in overtime pay by creating a "wall" of protection. Read more

What's Not to Like?

The answer: quite a bit, when it comes to homeowners' impressions of contractors. Two nationwide surveys conducted in March for Kimberly-Clark Professional explored this inherently tense relationship. Read more

Intel on Info: Google Search Tips

Remodeling industry consultant Joe Stoddard offers tips on using Google's search operators to make your online searches more accurate and efficient. Read more

Your Clients
Degnan Design Builders Goes the Extra Mile for an Ailing Client

Cara Leucht, office manager at Degnan Design Build in Wisconsin, tells about how her company did a late-night laundry room install. Read more

Getting Past Consumers' Hesitancy to Buy

Mark Hunter, aka The Sales Hunter, offers six tips to get consumers off the dime. Read more

Your Team
Manage Personality and Policy to Forestall Jobsite Conflict

Matching project manager to homeowner by personality type, and having a policy on homeowner jobsite visits will help you avoid conflicts that could turn toxic. Read more

Deselect Low-Value Tasks to Deliver Better Customer Service

Industry consultant Victoria Downing outlines a strategy to lighten your workload Read more

Customized Cargo Slide Saves Backs and Project Time

Two remodelers tell how they outfitted their cargo slide to cut down on carrying tools. Read more

Sweating the Small Stuff: It's the Little Things You Do That Set Your Company Apart

A happy customer is vital to your company's success, but you'll be surprised at what little things you can do to please a client. Read more

Your Projects
Work Triangle and Appliance Placement

Tailoring your layout to your clients needs. Read more

All Together Now

A few months ago, David West, owner of MeadowView Construction in Georgetown, Mass., was invited by a local lumberyard owner to join LinkedIn, an online networking system. Read more

What I Like: Aluminum Railings

Remodeler hopes to increase sales of low-maintenance railing. Read more

Trends That's a Wrap!

Originally made to prevent air and water infiltration, housewrap products now are engineered to serve several purposes. They still act as air barriers, but a greater emphasis is now placed on managing moisture generated from both outside and inside the home. Read more

K+B
Veiled Vent

Hiding a vent in plain sight Read more

On the Bench: Fleurco Urbana Shower Base

The Urbana shower base is showering made easy with a generous built-in bench and storage below. Read more

In Your Veins: Caesarstone Classico Quartz Collection

Get the look of natural marble from a quartz product in Caesarstone's Classico collection. Read more

Classic Shine: Omnia Hardware Prodigy Collection

A glass knob never looked so good - until Omnia introduced this mid-priced collection. Read more

Fresh Start: New Location, New Products for KBIS 2013

So long, Chicago! The Kitchen & Bath Industry Show is moving to New Orleans this year. In honor of a fresh new location, here are a handful of fresh new products youíll find on the show floor at KBIS 2013. Read more

Home Performance
Bottom Line Investigating pre-existing conditions

Hudson Valley Preservation in Sherman, Conn., works on old houses. In the past, both the remodeler and his clients have been surprised by what they have found behind the walls. Read more

Utility Energy-Efficiency Programs to Double by 2025

Total spending expected to be about $9.5 billion by 2025. Read more

Self-Control: Rinnai Pump and Timer Kit

Let homeowners set the timing of their hot water supply to coincide with demand with this pump-and-timer kit. Read more

Safe & Efficient: Takagi Ultra-Low NOx Water Heaters

Meet state regulations and energy-efficiency expectations with new ULN tankless water heaters. Read more

Rapid Retrofit: Navien NPE Series Tankless Water Heaters

Installers and homeowners both benefit from NPE Series tankless water heaters, designed for easy installation and high-efficiency water heating. Read more

Spotlight: Water Power: The Future of Tankless Water Heaters

If you think water and electricity don't mix, think again. New, compact technology proposes to alleviate the problems found in other water heating appliances. Read more

Products
RH Peterson's Real Fyre Direct Vent Gas Inserts

These inserts use no room air for combustion, generating efficiencies of up to 82%. Read more

Spotlight: Outdoor Fireplaces Double the Design: Heat N Glo Twilight Modern Two-Sided Gas Fireplace

Get twice the impact with this modern two-sided fireplace that can span indoor-outdoor installations. Read more

Retractable Awnings: The Good Kind of Hangover

The right awning can add visual interest to an outdoor space, with the added bonus of energy efficiency. Read more

Outdoor living/Fireplaces Try These Upgrades to Your Outdoor Kitchen

Take your kitchen design up a notch with these high-end outdoor appliances. Read more

New Finish for Cypress Collection Garage Doors

Cypress Collection garage doors offer a new walnut finish and sleek panel design. Read more

Insulation Options

Two inches of dense insulation give these doors an R-value of up to 19.4. Read more

Bold Styling: Overhead Door Carriage House Collection

A range of architectural styles, times numerous paint and stain options, plus a variety of decorative hardware, equals a garage door design the whole neighborhood will notice. Read more

garage doors Why Insulated Garage Doors Make Sense

An insulated garage door on an unconditioned space? Here are four reasons why it makes sense. Read more

Good Form
Playing by the Rules: Subcontractor Agreement

Asking subcontractors to sign a code of conduct to help ensure consistent high standards. Read more

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