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The article focuses on the value of education and certification for remodelers. National Association of the Remodeling Industry's (NARI) director of education Dan Taddei says that the acquisition of knowledge to change behavior is called education while the skill and knowledge is shown through certification. The National Association of Home Builders' (NAHB's) director Jeffrey Jenkins adds that nearly 1900 people have earned the certificate graduate remodelers (CGR) designation.

The article focuses on the help of showrooms for remodelers to win clients. It says that display areas provide visibility and credibility for remodeling firms. Jennifer Runner, associate kitchen and bath designer (AKBD) of Normandy Remodeling, said that showrooms are necessary to show clients and prospect the quality of products they will get. She adds that selection is also an important function of showrooms which shows clients what to expect.

The article discusses the forecast for the remodeling market in 2013. According to the Leading Indicator of Remodeling Activity (LIRA), remodeling market will recover with a double digit increase in the first half of 2013. Joint Center Remodeling Futures Program's director Kermit Baker considered the strong recovery in the wider housing market as the main reason for the recovery. INSET: VIEW FROM THE FRONT.

The article discusses the opportunities discovered by remodelers to enhance building performance and energy efficiency. It cites the report from Pike Research LLC on the viability of the energy-efficient housing market which is expected to expand to 84 billion dollars by 2020. The report stresses that the design strategies in constructing energy-efficient homes can employ a wide range of technologies and services for improvements, lighting, water heating, and energy audits.

The article reports on the importance of customer satisfaction in remodeling business in the U.S. It notes that there are three r's in customer satisfaction which are referrals, repuation and repeat business. It mentions that customer satisfaction is one of the most valuable tools a remodeler can have in one's marketing.

The article focuses on the essential relationship between a remodeler and his or her truck in the U.S. According to Richard Miller of Nissan North America Inc., remodelers buys a vehicle which is an extension of their own personality and an extension of their firm. Also, it mentions that trend of buying trucks, having dual-use vehicles which serve a business and personal function.

The article focuses on the significance of marketing plan among remodelers, specifically the repeat and referral business. Executive Todd Jackson notes that some of the remodelers do not commit to certain marketing plan. Jackson explains that marketing looks at tactics ahead of time to get advantages and have a plan.

The article presents a remodeler survey series for home remodeling in the U.S. It mentions the importance of social media in managing remodeling jobs, communication, regardless of the means and technology which has become an integral part of the remodelers' life. Statistics are also presented on the means of communication which could be effective in dealing with clients such as email, phone and texting as well the most used technology to communicate with clients such as smartphones and iPads.

The article focuses on the results of the Qualified Remodeler reader survey, that was conducted in partnership with Residential Design + Build and LBM Journal. About 22 percent of the respondents said their revenue was declined by more than 20 percent in 2011. John Schmitz, owner of Blueprint Homes and Remodeling, discusses his business focus and the shift to include commercial jobs. Also discussed is the projection of remodeling jobs for the year 2012 including ways to increase business.

The article explains the necessity of incorporating green products and technology in a remodeled home in the U.S. It explores the remodeling of the house of Iris Harrell, chief executive officer (CEO) and senior designer of Mountain View, Calif.-based Harrell Remodeling Inc. In addition, the remodel demonstrates that design and aesthetics are part of green remodeling as green points accrued under a rating system.

The article evaluates the architectural design of a vintage carriage house located in Kensington, California that was designed by Bernie Stein.

The article presents questions and answers related to remodeling industry which includes the downturns experienced by the said industry, the most significant change in the market for remodeling business, and the perceived changes in the cycle of the industry.

The article focuses on consumer satisfaction surveys with emphasis on a survey conducted by the journal "Qualified Remodeler," according to which customer satisfaction is not determined by one-third of the house remodelers in the US. It found that in-house staff is used by 85 percent to conduct consumer satisfaction surveys. According to Stephanie Gillin, co-owner of Grand Decor, do-it-yourself option works fine for her to design consumer satisfaction surveys.

The article discusses the importance for remodelers to prioritize their public relation (PR) on their business strategies in the U.S. It cites the move of TriVistaUSA owner Michael Sauri to put PR ahead of marketing on his agenda, which helps them deliver unique, creative high-end design, as well as relationship driven approach to homeowners. It suggests the need for remodelers to find someone to handle the PR function since it requires a great deal of time and dedication.

The article discusses the marketing strategies employed by home remodelers Daniel Wolt of Zen Windows and Dawn Steimer of Master Custom Homes Remodeling in the U.S. Wolt has decided to simplify the marketing process by eliminating salesperson and allowing homeowners to contact him through search engine optimization (SEO), networking sites and blogging. Meanwhile, Steimer has adopted the so-called shotgun marketing in which she uses a series radio advertisements and Internet marketing.

The article offers information on franchising in the remodeling industry. It states that franchising is increasing because of the changing economic conditions and consumer priorities. It mentions that home builders looking to enter remodeling, are another source of potential franchise. It presents two other methods, through which businesses can expand their market and distribution channels, including distributorship and licensing.

The article focuses on economic conditions in remodeling industry and several approaches on how remodelers overturned a down economy to their advantage. It states that remodelers made adjustments to their marketing efforts and sales along with the down economic conditions. Bruce Pinsler of Galaxie Home Remodeling relates that his company tried several advertising options such as telemarketing and sports sponsorships. Moreover, Renewal Design-Build devised seminars and consultations.

The article offers the significance of disaster/insurance restoration for the remodeling industry. It states that fire, floods, storms and other misfortunes are those that cannot be prevented. According to Chris Silliman, owner of Fletcher, North Carolina-based First Restoration Services Inc. of Asheville, their business is growing because they are good at what they do in their market and they hire consulting firm that knows the disaster/insurance restoration business inside and out.

The article presents the insights of HCS Construction Services Co. owner Sherry Schwab on the lessons she learned from the challenges faced by the company. It states that after the company was established, it was challenged with restoration and damage repair works. Schwab says that the company is creative in performing their work wherein it is done rapidly to obtain the clients' satisfaction. She adds that the company offers remodeling work, insurance services, and emergency assistance.

The article focuses on various methods and strategies that are suggested by the remodelers to overcome the present prevailing situations in the market. It presents several perspectives which includes adjustments in sales procedure to involve the customer and provide more of a touch-and-feel experience, offering full service and financing to customers and paying more attention to scheduling, ordering and overall tighter process control.

The article offers information on the customer relationship. It states that earning loyalty of a customer is more important for the sustained growth and profitability of remodeling business, than just customer's satisfaction. It also states that a loyal customer gets emotionally attached to its service provider. It discusses several ways to gain customer's loyalty including, follow-up inspections, sending periodic newsletters, and communicating regularly through mails.

The article presents how an elegant conservatory contributes to the language and legacy of a historic home in Tennessee as it undergoes a renovation. It highlights the new octagon-shaped conservatory that serves as the focal point of the house and provides connection between the kitchen and the library. It adds that Craig Huseby of Nashville, Tennessee-based Huseby Homes has implemented the plans of architect Eric Stengel of Architecture LLC in Nashville.

The article discusses the views from experts on the result of the survey conducted by the magazine "Qualified Remodeler" which reveals that showrooms are important part of remodeling. Jim Deen, president at Kitchen Kraft Inc., says that there is no single standard for a showroom on how it works for a remodeler. Alan Lutes, president at Alpha Remodeling, states that showroom provides efficient and time saving decision in different business model.

The article discusses the difference between dealership and franchise in the remodeling business in the U.S. Franchise and dealership are two distinct setups which require remodelers to choose and consider the opportunity and long-term business goals. According to Rob Haislip, vice president of franchise services for Archadeck, dealership is often related to single product while franchise system may focus on specific types of products but it is more a system or methodology of going to market.

The article presents surveys related to remodeling industry in the U.S. It states that remodelers have made a little change in their business plans such as specializing or branched out. It mentions the pie graph that describes the scope and services that the company provides and the areas, into which remodelers have branched out. Moreover, the reactions of remodelers in adapting to changing conditions and the graph that depicts the percentage of the type of franchises are also presented.

The article offers ways to become an effective home remodeling sales agent. It mentions that one aspect to become an effective sales agent is to understand the customer's value system. It also suggests that constant practice, being confident in every conversation with clients and doing operations that conforms to the culture of the company and being a team player can bring an agent to success.

The article reviews the architectural design of a house in Windermere, Florida, designed by Jim Ross.

The article discusses why many homeowners decided to prefer the installation or promotion of insulation in the U.S. It mentions that aside from its energy-saving attributes, it can also save money by limiting expenses on heating and cooling of homes. However, it cautions that many consumers are having a difficult time in identifying whether the manufacturers' green product claims are true.

The article reviews the architectural design of a Spanish colonial style designed by architect Neumann Mendro.

The article discusses the growing trends of repeat and referral business in the U.S. According to a survey, repeat and referral business handled by the remodelers are increasing despite the lack of formal program of some respondents. Most of the respondents also believe that repeat and referral business is a result of customer satisfaction and good work quality.

The article discusses the integral parts in remodeling. It is stated that managing trade contractors is an integral part of the remodeling process. Moreover, the success or failure of a remodeling venture can well hinge on how this aspect of the business is being handled. One has to make sure that information is available and shared, and that expectations are clearly stated from the start. It is argued that communicating with trade contractors is crucial to the success of the relationship.

The article presents the top kitchen and bath specialists in the U.S. As stated, business leaders are staying focused on their respective businesses and they are investing in marketing and advertising to drive more leads. Moreover, the companies include Home ReBuilders, Thomas Construction and Robert's Remodeling and Construction Co. Inc.

The article provides information related to customer relationship management (CRM). The author relates that CRM means different things to different people. One of the most basic things CRM does in any setting is collect accurate and relevant information about customers. One of the things advocates claim CRM will do is develop a corporate memory that will help business identify, anticipate, and address common customer concerns in a consistent and professional manner.

The article discusses on the issue concerning immigration employment, which help remodelers to fully understand their legal requirements regardless of the status of the ever-changing government enforcement schemes. The author states that the issue surrounding the illegal immigration or undocumented-worker debate have made remodelers nervous, however, he informs that remodelers who followed the government's rules and federal requirements do not see it as a very intense problem.

The article features the remodeling design of a typical 1970's tract house in California. It was Steven Walton, a senior design consultant of American Society of Interior Designers, who planned to add a casita that would create an interior courtyard. Accordingly, the casita was integrated into the main structure with a dramatic entry tower, providing a new focal point to the home's entrance and elaborating the Mediterranean theme and the desired curb appeal of the home.

The article reports on trends in the market for professionally remodeling kitchens and baths for 2008. It notes that as of March 2008, kitchens and baths emerge as the strongest sector in the broader remodeling industry, with 47 percent of all the remodelers surveyed reporting their current level of kitchen and bath remodeling is higher than in previous years. Factors which drive the positive performance of kitchen and bath business in 2008 are also provided.

The article reports on the result of the survey conducted by Qualified Remodeler on the quality of applicants in the U.S. Result shows that 82% of respondents find fair to poor while 18% find it is good. Moreover, 72% of the respondents stress that the quality and skill level of applicants had declined. Further, several construction industry executives offer their experiences on the use of people management systems.

The article reports on the overall gross revenue gains for house remodeling firms in the U.S. in 2012. It mentions that the Top 500 is one of companies which are stable and established that weathered the economic cycles of remodeling. It presents several thoughts from the top 500 companies including Scott Mosby of Mosby Building Arts, Joshua Baker of BOWA and Peter Ciaraldi of Professional Building Services. List of top performers in different category is presented.

The article focuses on the manners of alleviating customers' negative perceptions caused by their home remodeling experiences. It relates on an article by Ezekiel J. Emmanuel concerning the comparability between home renovation and colonoscopy. It mentions that everyone who conduct major home renovation ends up hating their contractors. Emmanuel adds that remodeling is about contractor's psychology and not about their quality of work and honesty.

The article offers information on the "Remodelers' Cost of Doing Business Study," 2012 Edition, conducted by the National Association of Home Builders' Remodelers Council in the U.S. It states that the study offers a useful benchmark against which to judge the performance of a firm. This 2012 edition indicates that average net profit margin in 1990 was 11% and in 2011 was 3%.

The article focuses on the results of a survey on lead generation for the remodeling industry. It cites some of the main lead generating source such as canvassing, direct mail and telemarketing. Tim Musch of MarketSharp Software advises that multichannel follow-ups may help in generating sales. Statistics of the survey results are presented including the most important marketing strategies, social media used and increase in cost of leads.

The article discusses the importance for home improvement contractors to understand the concept of housewraps in the U.S. Residential marketing manager Alan Hubbell of DuPont Building Innovations explains the requirement of the International Residential Code (IRC) regarding the need to use weather-resistant barrier and other water-management system behind all exterior cladding in homes. It also provides tips for contractors regarding the proper installation of housewraps to avoid problems.

The article presents a survey on consumer satisfaction which is among the most vital aspect in the remodeling business in the U.S. It notes that 62% refer a remodeler to a friend and 66% hires the same remodeler wherein homeowners who suggest their remodeler to a friend remained constant and those who hired their contractor again has increased considerably. A chart is also presented depicting the prominence of the profession and rising to the opportunity with more professionalism.

The article discusses the trend in the design and construction of exterior doors that needs less maintenance and offers variety function in the U.S. It presents the insights of several experts in the industry including Craig Weaver from JELD-Wen Doors & Windows, Cindy Bremer from Kolbe & Kolbe Millwork Co. Inc., and Jeff Kibler from Peachtree Doors & Windows, on consumer preferences in buying exterior doors. They talk about various issues such as volatile organic compounds (VOC).

The article reviews the architectural design of a basement of home, located in Washington (D.C.).

The article focuses on the remodeling market, with specific reference to the views of several industry experts in this regard. Les Cunningham of Business Networks Inc. says that today's remodelers are getting smaller job sizes in terms of overall budget. Daniel Glickman, president of Sustainable Construction Services Inc., says that his potential clients are now more price-conscious than in the past and negotiations often are more price-focused.

The article offers information on how to market remodeling business in 2010 in the U.S. According to a survey conducted by Qualified Remodeler there are 40 ways to market remodeling business, from the old fashioned postal mail to electronic mail. The marketing strategy includes, word-of-mouth, consistent advertising and community involvement.

The article reviews the architectural design of a modern house in Winter Park, Florida, designed by the company Phil Kean Designs.

The article focuses on the designs and equipment used in the kitchen architecture industry in the U.S. Free-standing appliances and stainless steel equipment are used in kitchen design. Aluminum products are considered to replace stainless steel because they are more versatile and environment-friendly.

The article offers several tips on how U.S. remodeling-services marketers could attract more clients. It suggests that they need to contact and remind their previous clients about the services that they are offering through personal phone calls, letters or even postcards. It hints to advertise the services locally in neighborhood magazines. In addition, it notes that a well-advertised offer of low interest rates will surely attract some consumers to call and ask about the service.