There's no sure way to disaster-proof a remodeling business, but it's usually instructive to look back and identify any mistakes, shortcuts, omissions, or denials that might have allowed little problems to snowball into big ones, and big problems to turn calamitous. More
It's not quitting time at Heritage Builders until each project's lead carpenter has verified and initialed 34 jobsite tasks on a one-page "end-of-day checklist." The 10-minute effort can save lives and headaches, and it definitely builds client confidence and goodwill. More
During the past few years, when demand far exceeded supply, many companies didn't see the need to spend any money on marketing. Now that the economy is slowing in many areas, many of you will be scrambling to maintain sufficient sales to support your overhead and produce a satisfactory profit. It's never too late to make and implement a marketing plan to bring in the leads required to produce the sales you need. More
Robert Criner, president of Criner Construction in Yorktown, Va., says remodelers must be proactive in their quest to retain employees. More than just money "In every statistic I read on retention priorities, money is fifth or sixth on the list," says Doug Nelson, president of New Spaces in Burnsville, Minn. Nelson says that more than a fair salary, employees want to be appreciated and feel like a vital part of the company. Lead carpenter Ross Gravrock, a 10-year employee of Doug Nelson at New Spaces, says he enjoys his job because Nelson gives him the freedom to do good work. More
