Defend Your Turf
Smaller builders voice justifiable concerns that GIANTS will buy higher and drive up land costs in an effort to churn ever-more product and keep the cash flowing. Here are a few tips to stay in the game:
Honeywell Cable Products
The next generation of audio cable is here. The Crystal Series of high-end cables ensures that home theater enthusiasts (and their builders) will experience the full potential of electronic components. These cables are touted to deliver richer, more detailed sound with a wider dynamic range by virtue of their higher strand count and an oxygen-free bare copper center, an ideal conductor for pure...
A Year in Review
It is the time of the year where many of us look back and review what was accomplished — what improvements were made and evaluate top priorities for the current year. At Professional Builder this is a most pleasing experience. The look back over the past year brings memories of many positive improvements and achievements by a staff of which I am quite proud.
Builders Shop To Differentiate Homes
Today's home builders now seek to include some advanced technology in their homes, according to a new survey of 400 U.S. builders conducted by Parks Associates. Programmable thermostats, security systems, and zoned HVAC systems top the list of most frequently offered products, and over two-thirds of the builders surveyed offer computer networking, structured wiring and central vacuum systems wi...
Exaktime
Jobclock system and software enables contractors to manage employee timecards through an electronic keying and tracking system. The Jobclock is battery-powered and because it is designed to resist dust, grime, vibration and spray it can be locked down anywhere at a jobsite. Workers clock in and out by utilizing green and red "key tabs" that they carry on their key rings.
Gross Profit Sets Up Net Profit
High gross profit is the first critical step to reaching high net profit. Our most recent study of 94 client builders' financial results for 2003 proves the strong correlation between gross and net (as shown in the chart below). Builders of varying sizes, from all parts of the country, participated in this Builder Financial Study.
Turn-Key Steel Framing
High costs and on-site labor requirements top the list of reasons builders cite for the slow progress of steel framing in the new construction industry. Now FrameMax has introduced a turn-key system designed to eliminate the cost gap between wood and steel in residential construction. The process works like this: Step 1: Import architectural and structural CAD project plans into the company's d...
