Help Your Clients With Earth-Friendly Remodeling Projects

It’s Earth Day, a day to inspire awareness and appreciation for the environment. Help your clients to be more aware by suggesting environmentally friendly remodeling projects. Recommend sustainable natural products, reclaimed materials, low-VOC paints and materials made from recycled products. Keep energy efficiency in mind. The earth will thank you and so will your clients!

My lean mean hairdresser

I visited my hairdresser yesterday for my normal appointment. I’ve been going to her for years and it was a regular visit. She had some exciting news to share. She told me I can now schedule my appointments with her on-line. I simply create an account with the on-line appointment service, click on her name and schedule my appointments. This morning I scheduled my hair appointments for the rest of the year. Pretty cool.

As we chatted yesterday, she told me that one of her biggest problems since she doesn’t have an assistant is the scheduling of appointments. She tried to schedule the next appointment before a customer left but, inevitably, someone needed to re-schedule or didn’t know their schedule and would call back. That led to playing phone tag. The process was frustrating and inefficient.

Using an on-line appointment scheduling service allows her to delegate that task and put it squarely in the hands of her customer. The service even syncs with the customer’s Outlook or Google calendar and sends the customer an automatic appointment reminder e-mail.

In this “new economy,” businesses must find new ways to become leaner yet more efficient at the same time. That may seem like an oxymoron but it is not. There are many tasks we do that can be handed off and not always to another person in our own organization. Many on-line services have cropped up that can handle anything from setting appointments to reminding us of birthdays and anniversaries.

Look at the processes in your own organization, especially the ones that take up the most time and are the most inefficient. Now, get on-line and start researching. Talk to other service providers to see how they handle these same issues. I bet there are other people out there who have conquered the same things that are driving you crazy.

"Cash for Caulkers" could bring more jobs to the industry

President Obama released more details about his Cash for Caulkers program, called HOMESTAR, that he hopes will soon become law.

The program will use rebates direct to consumers to help with the purchase of energy-saving investments for the home such as insulation, duct sealing, water heaters, HVAC units, windows, roofing and doors. Under the Silver Star Rebate, consumers can choose a combination of upgrades for rebates up to $3000 per home. The Gold Star Rebate program would be for homeowners interested in a whole home energy audit and retrofits that would achieve a 20% energy savings. The program will call for using products primarily made in the US and will require installation by certified contractors. Field audits by independent quality assurance providers would ensure that the installation was done properly.

The administration says that the program will create “tens of thousands of jobs,” save consumers between $200 and $500 each year in energy costs, and reduce energy use equivalent to three coal-fired power plants each year.

It’s estimated that the program would cost about $6 billion and would see participation by about 3 million households.

Of course, the details are still being worked out and Congress has not signed the bill into law although a similar proposal has been included in the Senate Democrats’ Jobs Agenda.

For more information, see the White House’s press release about the program.

Home Remodeling Surges in Fourth Quarter - 2/16/2010 10:52:00 AM - Professional Remodeler

Home Remodeling Surges in Fourth Quarter - 2/16/2010 10:52:00 AM - Professional Remodeler:
"Home Remodeling Surges in Fourth Quarter
2010 to mark significant rebound in remodeling industry as foreclosure markets lead remodeling resurgence

News Release
February 16, 2010
HousingZone

GOLDEN, Colo. February 16, 2010 – In a recently released report, ServiceMagic.com found that during the fourth quarter of 2009, homeowners actually increased their number of home remodeling service requests by more than 37 percent over the same period in 2008. Furthermore, the report showed tremendous spikes in home improvement activity in the states with the highest foreclosure rates."

Read on . . .

Now that's good news!

New Home Survey Reveals Top Consumer Priorities for 2010 - 1/25/2010 10:52:00 AM - Professional Remodeler

New Home Survey Reveals Top Consumer Priorities for 2010 - 1/25/2010 10:52:00 AM - Professional Remodeler: "New Home Survey Reveals Top Consumer Priorities for 2010
The survey found top priorities to include price, energy-efficiency, organization and comfort

News Release
January 25, 2010
HousingZone

Las Vegas, Nev., Jan. 20, 2010 — Better Homes and Gardens revealed proprietary research and insights on what consumers are looking for in their next home and overall priorities guiding current and future home improvement projects." Read on . . .

What to do today to comply with the Lead Based Paint Program

Two steps you must take right now to get ready for the EPA’s Lead Based Paint Renovation, Repair and Printing Program going into effect on April 22, 2010.

#1: Apply now to become a certified renovation firm. Fill out the EPA’s Renovator Firm application and submit it along with the fee (most likely $300) today. The EPA is very slow in processing these applications and you must have this certification back by April 22nd. Go to http://www.epa.gov/lead/pubs/firmapp.pdf for the form.

#2: Sign up for a lead safe work practices training class. Find classes in your area by searching the list of trainers or the list of classes and click on “Lead” under All Training Categories. Neither of these will give you an exact list of classes in your area but it’s a start.

Then go to the EPA’s website to find out more. It’s all there. Don’t wait! Start this process now.

Home Star: 5 answers about 'Cash for Caulkers' - 1/1/2010 - Professional Remodeler

Home Star: 5 answers about 'Cash for Caulkers' - 1/1/2010 - Professional Remodeler: "Home Star: 5 answers about 'Cash for Caulkers'
The low down on the program that's meant to boost energy efficiency and jobs

Jonathan Sweet, Editor in Chief
January 1, 2010
Professional Remodeler

The Home Star program — or 'Cash for Caulkers' as some have dubbed it — could provide a big boost to home energy efficiency through billions in tax credits and other incentives over two years" Read on . . .


The program sounds good on it's face, especially since the construction sector has been hit so hard by unemployment. But, remember that it will be paid for by cap and trade, which has not passed.

NARI Taking Lead on Fighting Unfair Healthcare Provision

NARI Taking Lead on Fighting Unfair Healthcare Provision: "

In case you missed it, the U.S. Senate hates you.

The news broke while I was on vacation, so I never addressed it here in the blog, b...

"

From The Sweet Spot Remodeling Blog

2010 Remodeler of the Year Case Design/Remodeling Grabs Opportunities - 1/1/2010 - Professional Remodeler

2010 Remodeler of the Year Case Design/Remodeling Grabs Opportunities - 1/1/2010 - Professional Remodeler: "2010 Remodeler of the Year Case Design/Remodeling Grabs Opportunities
Case Design/Remodeling uses the downturn as a chance to improve the company
By Jonathan Sweet, Editor in Chief
January 1, 2010
Professional Remodeler

Most remodelers will never forget 2009. Good remodelers closed their doors across the country and previously sound market leaders found themselves in serious trouble as the market drastically changed. Those who have survived are facing financial challenges, smaller projects and wary clients." Read on . . .

Congratulations to Case Design/Remodeling!

Economic Recovery in the Construction Industry

Just got off a call entitled Economic Recovery: Under Construction, part of the 2010 Market Insights Webcast Series.

Some startling statistics about unemployment in the construction sector:

According to Kermit Baker, Chief Economist with the American Institute of Architects, the construction and architectural sectors have been the hardest hit as far as job losses go. Together, these sectors lost 7 million jobs. An even scarier statistic: 23% of construction jobs have been lost and 17% of architecture jobs have been lost.

And Ken Simonson, Chief Economist with AGC of America, put it into perspective. The national unemployment rate stands at about 10.5%. However, the unemployment rate in the construction industry is 22.7%. This is depression level unemployment!

Another scary statistic: Only 4.5% of all jobs are in the construction sector but yet 22% of all job losses have been in construction.

Clearly, the construction industry has been hit hard by this recession. Hopefully, part of the President’s new job initiatives will speak to this devastation in our industry.

Are You Ready for the EPA's New Lead Paint Rules?

Beginning on April 22, 2010, remodeling is going to be a whole new ballgame. That’s when the new provisions will go into effect from the EPA which will affect remodeling and renovation of homes built before 1978.

The EPA passed a law in 1976 called the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA) to control substances determined to cause unreasonable public health or environmental risks. After determining that exposure to lead can cause health risks and impacts the environment, an amendment was added in 1999 to reduce lead contamination.

Fast forward to 2008 when the EPA passed changes to the TSCA that require contractors to be trained and certified in the use of lead safe work practices and to use lead safe work practices on any job involving lead paint. These changes go into effect in 2010 – April 22nd to be exact, which also happens to be Earth Day.

Lead safe work practices would require the remodeler to minimize dust, prepare and clean the work area, and contain lead dust. Since lead paint was banned in the US in 1977, these lead safe work practices only apply to homes built before 1978.

Also, you will be required to provide your customer with a pamphlet entitled “Renovate Right” before any work begins plus you will be required to get a signed acknowledgement from your customer that you did so and keep that acknowledgement in your files for a period of time as defined by the EPA.

You must employ a “Certified Renovator” who manages the jobs on any homes built before 1978 and is responsible for seeing that those on the job practice Lead Safe Work Practices.

And what if you don’t follow the EPA’s new rules and you get caught? Oh, a little fine of $37,500 PER DAY! Yep, that’s per day. There are a couple of exceptions which I’ll discuss in a later post, but for the most part homes built before 1978 will be subject to these new rules.

Want to know more? Visit the EPA’s website and I’ll be posting more information shortly.

Learn from the best

Iris Harrell is an innovative and successful remodeling company entrepreneur. Read on to learn more about her and her successful company . . .

Iris Harrell: The 2009 Fred Case Remodeling Entrepreneur of the Year - Awards, Company Culture, Green Remodeling - Remodeling Magazine: "Fully Vested
Don’t try telling Iris Harrell that women can’t rock at remodeling — or that companies can’t continually evolve and grow stronger."

Read more here.

Are you using the Energy Efficiency Tax Credits to your advantage?

By now you’ve probably heard about the Energy Efficiency Tax Credits. Those are the credits that consumers can take for buying and installing energy efficient products in their homes. The products include replacement windows and doors, insulation, roofing, HVAC, water heaters and bio-mass stoves. (In addition, there are some geothermal and solar products that qualify for credits, too, but we will limit the discussion to retro-fit products).

If your remodeling or home improvement company specializes in any of these types of products, you are missing a big boat if you are not offering products that qualify for the credits. Just about all manufacturers in every one of these product lines are now offering products that qualify.

To learn more about the tax credits and what products will qualify, check out the government’s Energy Star website.

Remodeling magazine has a great section about the entire stimulus package. Check it out at http://www.remodeling.hw.net/green/stimulus-tax-credits/ for a comprehensive guide about the credits.

And you can check out our remodeling company’s blog, Manassas Remodeling Contractor, to see how we have been promoting the credits to our own customers.

But don’t wait for your customers to ask you about the tax credits. Bring it up in your sales presentation. I am still amazed by the number of consumers who are not aware of the credits or don’t know what products qualify.

Regards,
Annette

Put Time On Your Side

Do you have some potential clients who are on the fence about proceeding with a remodeling project? Are you looking for ways to create some urgency to get people to commit now rather than later?

Use time. Time (or the lack thereof) can be a powerful motivator to get your clients to commit now.

By explaining the amount of time each step in the remodeling process can take, your potential clients can see the need to move forward if they want to complete a project by a specific date. To make your presentation even more powerful, use a calendar or timeline and work backward from their date.

6 Myths About Green Consumers

I recently ran across this article entitled, 6 Myths of Green Consumers. It states:

"A new national study of green consumers contradicts several long-held stereotypes about them: The environment is not their top concern, their kids are not influencing them to be green, and while many know what they should do to save the planet, they often don’t do it."

It's based on a study of consumers who, at least occasionally, buy green products. It's an interesting article and I thought you might like to read it.

http://www.ecohomemagazine.com/news/2009/08/6-myths-of-green-consumers.aspx

Cell Phone Recycling

While preparing my remodeling office for a move, I stumbled upon our stash of used, out-of-date cell phones. We kept these phones over the years so that we could use parts in our new models. How many times did that happen over the past 20 years of cell phone use? About 2! How many cell phones had we accumulated? 27!!!

Purely by coincidence, I stumbled upon a great use for these phones that benefits our troops overseas. The program is called Cell Phones for Soldiers. Since 2004, teens Brittany & Robbie Bergquist and Cell Phones for Soldiers have raised millions of dollars to help our troops call home. Donated cell phones are recycled and the proceeds are used to purchase prepaid calling cards for American troops.

I hope those 27 phones provide some great talk time for our military families.

Looking for Financing for your Remodeling Business?

I ran across this article today on Remodeling on-line and it gives alot of information about where to go for SBA loans. Check it out:

http://www.remodeling.hw.net/green-policy/lifelines-of-credit.aspx#

Ch - Ch - Changes!

Changes are abounding for me personally and in our remodeling company this month! In August, we consolidated our office space for our remodeling business and that meant my office had to move. It was a long process. I can't believe just how much stuff accumulates over the course of 24 years! But it also meant a thorough cleaning and re-organization. It's amazing how refreshed that can make one feel!

The second change was taking our daughter to college. That's an even bigger one because she's an only child. The house seems quiet but I'm keeping myself busy with lots of projects.

Look for more changes in On The Level Consulting in September. We are adding more items to make running your company easier. And a new service to help you improve your company's Google local search ranking.

Regards,
Annette

HIRE Act of 2009 Would Help the Remodeling Industry

More help for the remodeling industry could be on the way in the form of a tax credit that would stimulate the purchase of kitchen cabinets and other remodeling and home furnishing improvements.

Congressmen Henry Johnson (D-GA) and Nathan Deal (R-GA) have sponsored the legislation called the Home Improvement Revitalize the Economy (HIRE) Act of 2009. The Act would give individual consumers and joint filers respectively a $2,000 or $4,000 tax credit for purchasing items that meet recognized environmental standards (LEED, NAHB, Green Globes, SFI/FSC and ESP). Retailers, contractors and building product resellers can receive up to $10,000 for covered purchases.

“Not only would this help stimulate the manufacturing market for home furnishings and buildings products, it would save retail jobs, generate billions in revenue and increase home values at the time when we really need a boost,” according to Johnson. “By creating this tax deduction, we will offer incentives for consumers who would otherwise forego spending in 2009 and 2010. We will encourage environmentally sound practices by doubling the benefits for the purchase of building products and home furnishings that meet nationally recognized environmental standards.”

Check out the recent article in Professional Remodeling online or the KCMA website to learn more.

What can you do to support this bill? Contact your representative and ask that he or she co-sponsor the bill.

Positive economic news continues for remodeling industry

In the latest Key Indicator Alert from Hanley Wood Market Intelligence, the slightly positive economic news continues for the remodeling and home improvement industries.

Both new and existing home prices continue to rise slightly. Existing home sales rose but new home sales fell slightly. Mortgage rates are continuing to creep up, too. Those factors are making possible buyers re-think their wait and see strategies. It may be time to jump into the market.

And inventories of both new and existing homes are continuing to go down. That means we are working through the foreclosed homes (although slowly) and there are less homes available.

So what happens when there is less supply and more demand? Prices go up. Everyone wants what they can’t have. And the housing industry heats up again.


Check out more business advice for your remodeling or construction business.