In this 21st Century world, being digital and online is a must for growing your business. Yet many of us, who did not grow up “plugged in,” find it difficult to know where to start in generating a presence online. But from customer service to lead generation, the internet is really one of your best resources for building your reputation, name-recognition and ultimately business. Let’s take a look at how you can get started … with Facebook and Twitter Social Media. SOCIAL MEDIA: What do you think of when you hear the words, “Social Media?” While the thought of … Read more »

In this 21st Century world, being digital and online is a must for growing your business. Yet many of us, who did not grow up “plugged in,” find it difficult to know where to start in generating a presence online. But from customer service to lead generation, the internet is really one of your best resources for building your reputation, name-recognition and ultimately business. Let’s take a look at how you can get started … with a website. WEBSITE: Does your business have a website? It’s easier than ever before to get a professional-looking website to give your customers an … Read more »

As America’s population ages, the demographic which needs accessible housing is increasing. The Baby Boomer generation, one of the largest generations, is entering their retirement years. This increase in the aging population means that more accessible homes are needed. In addition, an estimated 56 million Americans – not just the elderly – have some sort of disability. What are you, as a builder, doing proactively to accommodate the needs of this generation? While the Americans with Disabilities Act mandated requirements for accessibility in public places, it has no bearing on private residences. Nonetheless, it is to your advantage as a … Read more »

As you may know, Millennials are the generation which was born between 1980 and 2000. They currently range in age from 16 to 36. A large portion of them are just hitting the age when they start to consider buying a home. Statistically, this market is even larger than the baby boomer demographic was. How can you, as a builder, make the most of marketing to this up-and-coming generation? The first consideration is communication. Because they have grown up with technology as an integral part of their lives, Millennials do not enjoy talking on the phone as much as they … Read more »

No, we’re not talking about a Statue of Repose, such as Rodin’s The Thinker! There is actually a law, in virtually every state of the U.S., called a Statute of Repose, and that is our topic today.   Having a thriving business in the home construction industry means you must deal with certain daily realities and legalities. Knowing the basics and preparing for such risks will save you headaches and monetary loss down the road. The Statute of Repose is a law that cuts off a right to bring a lawsuit after a specified time period has elapsed, regardless of … Read more »

As a builder, you likely build homes year-round. In the not-too-distant past, certain finishing details, such as painting outdoor trim, could not be done under a specific temperature. But times are changing … Cold Weather Painting: Original article by Ted Cushman, Feb. 1, 2008, published in builderonline.com. Q: I have some homes that need exterior painting, and cold weather is closing in. My painters say they can paint outdoors when it’s as cold as 35 degrees F. Should I be worried? A: Things are always changing in the world of house paint. Just a decade ago, labels on exterior-paint cans … Read more »

Original post by Ted Cushman, Senior Editor. Published online in The Journal of Light Construction, January 2016 Slabs and basements in freezing weather? Let’s talk about it. On a 9°F day in December 2014, Connecticut concrete con­tractor Dennis Purinton was pouring a slab on grade. It was the kind of work Purinton had done often enough before. But this time, he had a small audience of experts and sup­plier representatives from around the concrete industry—some of them, like Purinton himself, members of the consensus committee that creates ACI 306, the American Concrete Institute’s Guide to Cold Weather Concrete. Purinton’s goal … Read more »