February 2015 Table of Contents

From the Editor
Want To Give Free Estimates? Fine. Just Don't Promote Them.

Focus your marketing on what makes you special Read more

Your Business
Our Home Improvement Numbers Have Issues, Feds Say

Government shutdown may have led to over, undercounts; JCHS adjusts Read more

Is Flood Insurance a Racket?

Companies handling flood insurance claims after Hurricane Sandy are being sued for fraud in federal court Read more

Brands You Trust are Bringing the Internet of Things to Homes Internet of Things Brands You Trust are Bringing the Internet of Things to Homes

iDevices, Schlage, and Chamberlain see problem-solving products as the future of the connected home Read more

Feature
Up, Up and Away! Sales & Marketing Up, Up and Away!
Put Your iPad to Work Put Your iPad to Work

Tablet computers can speed sales, reduce errors, and improve efficiency. Here's how to take your tablet from a tech toy to a business necessity. Read more

Do Free Estimates Spur Sales? Sales & Marketing Do Free Estimates Spur Sales?

A recent column against giving free estimates started a new fight. Here’s a sampling of what you said. Read more

Dangerous Encounter: 3 Common Scenarios for Client Negotiations Sales & Marketing Dangerous Encounter: 3 Common Scenarios for Client Negotiations

How often do you fail to maximize profits because of botched negotiations? Responding the right way at your kitchen-table meetings with clients can make the difference between a sucessful job and one that steals from your purse. Here’s advice from Remodeling consultant Paul Winans on how to respond to four common scenarios. Read more

Remodeling Sales Comes First

It’s useless to be a good crafts person unless you can sell what you create. Read more

Sales & Marketing Need to Please

Keep customers happy—and your sanity intact—by using these tips when responding to complaints Read more

Remodeling Lead the Way

Generating more prospects is easier than you think Read more

Products
Here's What You Missed at IBS 2015 Here's What You Missed at IBS 2015

Augmented reality apps, fire-proof insulation, and economic insights abound in Las Vegas Read more

IBS/KBIS 2015: Day 1 Product Finds IBS/KBIS 2015: Day 1 Product Finds

Our editors are scouring the IBS/KBIS halls for smart and stylish new products. Here's what they found on Day 1. Read more

IBS/KBIS 2015: Day 2 Product Picks IBS/KBIS 2015: Day 2 Product Picks

Editors Lauren Hunter, Laura McNulty, and Tim Regan push farther into the show floor jungle to find new products for your next projects. Read more

IBS/KBIS 2015: Day 3 Product Finds IBS/KBIS 2015: Day 3 Product Finds

Editors Lauren Hunter, Laura McNulty, and Craig Webb wrap up their time on the show floor with these great picks Read more

You Built It
Modern, Airy Meeting Room Modern, Airy Meeting Room

Soft hues and natural surfaces make this conference room a cool place to convene Read more

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