We ask several remodelers across the nation about the amount of ready cash they have available and how that's helping them in this turbulent economy. More
Remodeler: AJ Paron-Wildes Company: DreamMaker Bath & Kitchen, St. Louis Park, Minn. Product: Bellacor.com, www.bellacor.com. Remodeler: Jack Philbin, CR Company: Philbin Construction & Remodeling Co., Crestwood, Ill. Product: Ambiance LX linear lighting systems from Sea Gull Lighting, www.seagulllighting.com. More
Repair and replacement costs can take a bite out of your operating budget. Philbin's crews also pay to repair their tools, unless the damage was due to negligence of a co-worker, but Philbin pays to sharpen or replace bits and blades. More
You hear a client's tale of woe about a bad contractor and think, "I'm a good guy, I won't treat them like this." In the past, I have taken over several jobs with mixed results. More
Remodelers answer the question: Do you offer a tool allowance to your employees? More
Remodeler Jack Philbin won't start a kitchen or bath remodel until all the products have been delivered. Besides avoiding delays during the job, Philbin says this system also results in fewer change orders because clients make decisions early and the product list becomes part of the contract. But Philbin says suppliers are busy and the just-in-time delivery is often not possible, so this system gives him more control. More
