While it's true that remodeling is in better shape than the new-home market and that the slowdown has hit some areas and some companies harder than others, there's no denying that these are difficult times. Companies of all sizes and business models doing all types of work are affected. Remodelers offer tips for weathering the downturn. More
Early in his career, Alon Toker of Mega Builders in Chatsworth, Calif., equated volume with success. He spent most of his time increasing the number of leads and training sales staff to close on sales. By the mid-1990s, the remodeler had 124 employees (including 18 salespeople), a phone room with 24 stations, a 3,600 square-foot building, and more than $8 million in revenue. More
Remodeler Alon Toker's system was a perfect fit for clients Mike and Alice Sloan. Mike Sloan is an accountant who was more interested than most clients in the down-to-the penny cost of each item installed in their small cottage remodel. “It's tough to spend money,” Mike says. “You want a contractor who understands business.” More
Alon Toker of Mega Builders Construction and Remodeling has been there. Toker suggests asking the following questions to uncover a potential prima donna. More
Not all remodelers come to the business by way of the craft. In the examples collected here, the ability of four individuals to adapt skills and expertise from other vocations enabled them to overcome a lack of hands-on construction knowledge and build successful remodeling companies. More
Homeowners contemplating a remodel and those building second and third homes have virtually the same wish list. From oversized kitchen islands to walk-in showers, the crossover of features from new construction to remodeling is seamless and nearly instantaneous. More
We guarantee our employees a 40-hour workweek year round and provide them with overtime opportunities almost every week. In order to protect our productivity threshold, our company offers overtime mainly on Saturdays. More
Alon Toker says most manufacturers offer trim kits to give microwaves a built-in look. In Toker's experience, a 1/16-inch clearance is adequate because the appliances generate very little heat. More
Microwaves are the most neglected and overlooked appliance in the kitchen," says Alon Toker, president of Mega Builders in Van Nuys, Calif. He says his clients think it's fine to have a remodeled kitchen with a microwave on the counter. Alon Toker prefers to build small microwaves into a cabinet, leaving a niche above the unit for a television or for cookbooks. More
