2012 Top 500 Remodelers Respond
2. The home is a system of systems all put together in an order for comfort, durability, energy efficiency and functionality. We have seen remodelers that have the abilities to address the home as a system have been able to do more things that all need to be done at the same time.
3. A strong focus on building science to fully understand the systems of the home has provided necessary training to address all components of the shell of the home preventing subcontracting components of projects keeping our top installers versatile and busy. A strong focus on quality knowing that there is less quantity and adjusting the business structure to that has been one of the biggest changes.
4. We did tons of schooling on solar electric solutions hoping that adding one more division to the business structure would help keep us stay busy and realizing that with every $1 spent on energy efficiency offsets about $3-$5 of solar costs making a decision very easy for a homeowner to improve the thermal efficiency of the home before placing thousands into a solar array.
5. Yes, I would say the changing market conditions have presented us with various “opportunities for challenges!!” With the rapidly changing and unstable market we never knew day to day what we were really in for. The changing market has helped us prepare for all different types of situations that we face daily in this industry. We discovered that when you educate yourself of all the different types of programs and rebates available to consumers nationwide, you will open up a new door of basically untouched opportunities for advancement.
6. Several years ago we started as roofing contractor, and now we have built homes, additions, garages, kitchens. We have a strong focus on Roofing, Insulation, Siding, Windows, Soffit/Fascia, Seamless Gutters and Gutter Protection, Drywall, and Solar. Staying focused on quality and getting amazing results with projects promoting word of mouth is more important than ever before. Building science and certifications in every service we offer has showed us that improving the home’s performance is key during all remodeling projects keeping us different from much of the competition that is unable to re-invest into proper training and compete.
#258
Robert Wadden, President
Wadden Construction
Herndon, Va.
2. What's different with them is that they've realized the need to adapt their business model to market conditions.
- Customer appreciation and service
- Quality materials and craftsmanship
- Positive, optimistic attitude
- Strong sales staff
#199
Bill Simone, President
Custom Design & Construction
El Segundo, Calif.
1. The future looks bright as we see it. The decrease in new housing stock, the aging of the existing housing stock and the decrease in the mobility of our population, all point to a remodeling market that will trend upward over the next 3-5 years.
2. I think the remodelers who have thrived and grown in recent economic times are those that have systems in place: marketing systems, sales systems, and production and warranty systems. This allows them to continue to produce replicable results, even in hard times.
3. We have to invest more time and money in the way we market than in the past. Clients are more cautious about "pulling the trigger." And the scope of most projects have shrunk in size resulting in the need for better systems to deliver more projects.
4. Our core philosophy has never changed in the 26 years we have been in business. That is, build relationships and projects will follow.
5. One of the key opportunities for us has been the ability to provide our in-house financing for clients. Many remodeling projects have been postponed due to changes in commercial lending practices and having internal financing available allows us to help our clients get their projects moving.
6. Our business really hasn’t changed. We concentrate on working with the "right" clients; ones that buy into our systems and procedures, understand our philosophy and that we are going to be comfortable having a long-term relationship with.
#496
John Goldbeck
