-
Collecting payment for change orders isn't difficult, as long as you have a clear process and you make clients aware of it early in the remodeling process.
GREG ANTONIOLI: There's no one path to remodeling glory. To help close the sale, offer prospects options for their remodel, such as phasing the project.
TIM FALLER: Should you ask your lead carpenter to estimate and present change orders?
-
In response to the price-shopping, budget conscious consumers in its market, one remodeling company temporarily stops charging design fees to remain competitive.
Tips for remodelers working with insurance companies on disaster restoration projects.
MELANIE HODGDON AND LESLIE SHINER: How to come up with a sale price that includes the risk calculated for the job.
-
A shift to wireless estimating keeps this glass repair franchise on the cutting edge.
-
Smart clients know that quality has a price, so a competitive bid need not be unrealistically low. You can win jobs by bidding fairly, with bids that reflect the high quality of your work.
-
Pre-construction preparation using a detailed line-item spreadsheet helps build a more accurate estimate and reduce the number of change orders.
KATHY SHERTZER: How many years have you worked for free? How many more do you plan to give away?
Rather than using still photos to document projects, video footage has the advantage of capturing more three-dimensional detail, which can help in creating more accurate estimates.
Lump-sum pricing focuses on costs and can make it difficult to explain pricing to clients. In today's competitive market, consider the alternative: flexible pricing.
Upscale consumers know it's a great time to buy property and remodel, but they are being more picky and want more for their money.
-
Three remodelers talk about how they are using the Cost vs. Value Report differently since the recession.
A New Jersey remodeling company wins more bids by investing in architectural drawings during the sales stage.
Estimating software can help you manage market fluctuations and client expectations.
Neil Parsons, owner of consulting company Design Build Profit, has created a detailed estimating system that divides a project into 47 cost categories so nothing is overlooked.
In this tough economy, high-end clients are asking for bids and high-end remodelers are having to adjust.
At the first client meeting, speedy and accurate pricing will help keep clients' excitement level high and the process moving.
After an initial effort years ahead of its time fell short, David Foster decided to try launching an online, DIY cost estimator again — with better results.