Times are tough and many contractors are pulling tooth and nail to find steady work. Yet before anyone resorts to self abuse, ask the question of how to best sell your abilities. Should you expand or specialize your offerings? As mainly a woodworker, is a move into concrete or even masonry worth it?

Such a question can be easy or difficult. Take remodeling contractors; for you the answer is probably simple — expansion. The reason being that remodeling inherently involves many different facets of construction from carpentry to electrical to plumbing and more. Being able to offer experience, knowledge, and advice in many of these areas is a big plus.

However, if you offer a unique service, one which sets you apart from the field, then specialization may be your best route. Say you’re a custom tile setter or mason with your own formula for creativity, something that is a valuable selling point. It makes sense that you would want to hone that skill and accentuate it during interviews.

At the same time homeowners and their remodels can be very fluid things, changing as the days go by. While it is generally accepted that a well-planned remodel is the smoothest remodel, that is not always how it goes. Therefore an extensive list of skills and services, including a heightened ability to think on your feet, may be the best way to go. (more…)

In order to further spread the wealth of necessary information on green building and design, the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) is hosting a series of web seminars – Webinars – for remodeling contractors. The series is aptly titled REGREEN Revolution. The first two sessions took place in December and January, with one last session on REGREEN & Deep Energy Retrofit scheduled for Wednesday, February 11.

This three-part series of webinars attacks green building on the renovation and remodeling front. They aim to steer contractors through the history, intent, and content of USGBC’s new REGREEN guidelines and discuss the future of the program. The sessions will also provide information about the green remodeling market and additional education opportunities available to remodeling contractors in need of further green renovation expertise. (more…)