As new construction starts plummet, many builders have begun shifting their business from new construction to remodeling. It’s easy to assume many won’t understand remodeling. But make no mistake that some will not be worse, but actually will be better business operations than their more experienced remodeling competitors.
About a decade ago I attended a seminar by businessman and author Jack Stack that remains vivid in memory as filled with uncommon common sense. Stack is known as the father of “Open-Book Management,” a methodology centered around sharing financial and decision-making duties among all employees.
Back in the prehistoric days of the Web (circa 1995), I convinced my family that our business needed a Web site. It was a bunch of money back then to create a Web site and to have it hosted by a company.
Several years ago I authored a training manual titled “Essentials of Profitable Wholesale-Distribution” for the American Supply Association and National Association of Wholesaler-Distributors. While doing research for the book I came across some information that startled me. Various business consultants insist that more businesses fail because of cash flow problems than due to unprofitability.
The vast majority of roof leaks occur at flashings, penetrations and terminations. Regardless of the roof covering system, these locations become the most critical points of proper weatherproofing. In this respect, SPF systems are no different. This article provides proper detail recommendations for SPF systems at the most common flashing and penetration locations.
Contractors come in all sizes and shapes but there are four distinct stages that many fall into. I like to refer to theses stages as wonder, blunder, thunder and plunder. Let’s take a few minutes and talk about each and how the economy will impact contractors in each category.
It was March of 2001 when Chicago Mayor Richard M. Daley introduced “an energy code for Chicago that promotes efficiency and protects the environment.” Part of the code set forth requirements for new roofing systems and repair and replacement of existing systems relating to insulation and reflectivity. The code in its original form virtually eliminated most of the most common low-slope roofing systems that were being specified and installed at that time.
The flashing element is the most vulnerable part of any roof system because it is the point at which the horizontal roof deck and vertical surface join. It is also the intersection of two different materials, such as is the case with parapet walls.
Think about the last time you attended an industry trade show, a training workshop or an association meeting and you got back to your shop all fired up to change things for the better. You rolled out a new program that seemed like a good idea but then you were stuck dealing with pushback and frustration from the staff or your customers - or both.
Today almost every contractor and subcontractor I come in contact with is in survival mode. Many have the cash to survive the lean times in their receivables - if they can collect them. If you have uncollected receivables, your choices are to write off the debt, sue your customer in court to collect, or use mediation or arbitration to reach a settlement.
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