The Remodeling Show: The Experience, Products, Software and People

The Experience: While the Remodeling Show is still fresh on my mind, I thought I would give you a report of my experience there.  Indianapolis has always been a very good host to the show, and a fun town to visit.  We took the 8 hour drive there and arrived the evening of the first day of the show.  The Remodeling Show has always been a favorite of mine.  Why?  Because it is one of the few places that remodelers from 50 states gather and share information about how to grow your business.  The exchange of information has always been fantastic, but this year the attendees seems to be even more open to sharing and helping others.  I have gone to shows for over 20 years, and every one of them has paid off in spades.  I highly recommend you sign up for this show next year!

The Products: There were plenty of products at the show, as usual, especially with the addition of the Deck Expo this year.  I’ll just mention a few of the one’s that I thought were notable and might be useful to you in your business.

Best Bath Systems had some terrific looking walk-in tubs and remodeler showers.  The walk-in tubs, for you CAPS, seemed like very well thought out designs.

Another product that will get you points with your customers was Cover Guard.  It is expensive to protect hardwood floors during a project, and you don’t dare use the stick down products on them, for fear of pulling the finish off when you pull them up.  So this blue, slip-resistant, flame-retardant plastic, that comes in various thicknesses, would be a good choice for you.

RT Marketing is not really a product, but a company that will help you get known and sell more.  Check them out.  They offer all kinds of marketing help, for the big and small.

Another very good marketing program is WebVisble - you can guess what they do.   Get you in front of your customers.  Kathryn Williams is one of their Internet marketing consultants.

The Software: Software has always had a special place in my heart.  A progressive remodeling company knows that programs and applications are very real tools that help you succeed in your business.  So here some of the ones that I can recommend.

BuilderTrend is a subscription based program that will help organize your company and communicate with your customers, vendors, tradespeople, staff and field personnel.  If you have read many of my articles, you know that I am a strong believer in communication.  Everyone needs to be on the same page.  Good communication = $$$.  Period.

DeckTools Deck Design Software is not inexpensive.  Having said that, I can tell you that if you do several decks a year, this program can make you a lot of money.  And because it is a Simpson StrongTie company, your decks will be built the proper way.  At least take four minutes and watch the video.  The depth of this program is really quite amazing.

Luxwood deck design software is not expensive.  And yet you’ll see how versatile it is.  If you only do a few decks each year, this is a steal.

Andersen Intelligent Estimate -I saved the BEST for last.  As I wandered through the exhibit hall, I just happened to sit down and watch this Andersen demo and I am still blown away by this one.  A very capable presenter proceeded to show me a very good estimating program.  I have seen a lot of estimating programs and I know what is needed for one to be worthy, and this one is.  It is a complete estimating system.  They say it’s just for preliminary estimates, but I can tell you it is probably better than most remodeling companies have right now.  It not only produces a quote but it has automated material lists, manages subcontractors and change orders, while you build a more profitable business.  And it’s web based, so it’s always there when you need it.This program is gong to hurt a lot of other estimating companies.  Why?  Because it is free.  FREE.  If you use this article for only one thing, sign up for this.  You can send me a Starbucks coffee card.

The People: Without people there would be no show.  I met some wonderful folks at this conference.  Saw a few old pals there too.  The camaraderie and sharing at each conference is golden.  Here are just a few of the memorable remodelers and associates of the industry.

Leah Thayer – Senior Editor of Hanley Wood Business Media – Hanley Wood publishes many magazines, including Remodeling and Journal of Light Construction.  Leah was instrumental in setting up and moderating round tables and Meet the Bloggers.  A big thank you to her.

Greg Antonioli – President of Out of the Woods Construction and Cabinetry, Inc. Here are some of the blog columns that Greg writes at Remodeling magazine. Greg is also a great speaker and one you can learn a lot from.

Greg E Theis of Greg E. Theis Remodeling – You can visit Greg’s site at www.GetRemodeling.net.  Greg was a big help in keeping the conversation and questions flowing at the Remodeler’s Roundtable.

Trent Ketchum – the project consultant for Fulford Home Remodeling

Bob Bach of Bob Bach Construction whose slogan is “Better Built By Bach”

Daryl Kemp – President of Blackbery Builders, Inc. in Illinois

Steve Girardot – director of Marketing of Reese Wholesalers in Indianapolis.

John W Shopp of Schopp Construction, Inc. who makes marvelous one-of-a-kind cedar furniture in addition to his remodeling activities.

And last but not least Michael Anschel – owner of Otogawa-Anschel Design-Build, LLC and a real expert on green building.  Michael knows more about green than most of us will ever learn.

I met plenty of others, all noteworthy, and a big hello and thank you to all of you.  Thanks for another great Remodeling Show!