Archive for the ‘Contractor Marketing’ Category

Planning for a Concrete Steel Building Foundation

June 9th, 2011 No Comments

Constructing a steel building takes a lot of planning. One thing that many people do not consider when beginning their steel building project is whether or not they will require a concrete foundation beneath the building. Although steel buildings can be built on bare ground, there are many benefits to choosing to lay a concrete foundation beneath the building before beginning construction. Knowing exactly what these benefits are as well as what to expect from the foundation laying process can help immensely when beginning the construction process.

First off, you’ll need to determine the exact dimensions of the area you on which you will be laying the foundation. Generally, the area you will be leveling to make room for the foundation will be a little bit larger than the foundation and the building itself, due to the fact that you will want a leveled area that overhangs the staked out dimensions of the building. On the subject of size, it is important to note that concrete foundations are generally required for large steel buildings or steel buildings that are intended to be permanent. As with any major construction project, you should check with local zoning and construction boards to determine the exact requirements for your building.

Once you have leveled an area approximately the size that the steel building and its foundation will be, you will need to stake out the precise dimensions of the foundation using a chalk line. This is a process that takes extreme care, so it is usually better to have more than one person helping out with the measuring. After carefully marking off the dimensions of the foundation, make sure to double and even triple check them to ensure that they are 100% accurate.

When it finally comes to purchasing and laying the concrete, you may find that the foundation process suddenly becomes fairly expensive. It’s true that concrete isn’t cheap, especially the amount that is needed to construct a foundation of the right length, width, and thickness. However, spending the extra money on a concrete foundation will surely pay off in the end, as your building will have a cleaner, more practical work surface. In addition, a concrete foundation will increase the value of the building if you ever decide to sell it.

We here at Remodeling.us.com understand that you’re trying to save as much money as possible with your home improvement and remodeling projects. For smaller steel buildings, laying a concrete foundation might be a project that the average home owner can do on his or her own. However, when it comes to larger buildings, it is highly recommended that you consult a contractor who can point you in the right direction and help you get the project done quickly, affordably, safely, and professionally. Not only is laying the concrete a difficult job, but you might also encounter issues when clearing the foundational area that require the use of heavy machinery like rock saws and bulldozers. While you’re at it, it doesn’t hurt to research local Colorado roofing companies in your area who can help you with maintaining your building’s roofing or a Denver electrician who can help install and maintain the electrical connections in the building.

Posted in Contractor Marketing, Outdoor Remodeling Tags: , ,

Finding the Right Home Mobility Solution

May 31st, 2011 No Comments

Increasing ease of mobility around your home is important if you or any of those who live with you are getting older or experiencing issues with disabilities. Two story homes with steep or windy staircases can put a lot of stress on individuals who are already experiencing troubles with getting around on a daily basis. The availability and affordability of home mobility solutions has increased over the years, making now a better time than ever to look into what options might best suit your needs.

Before you begin shopping for a home mobility solution, you need to be able to describe your particular needs and prioritize them from most to least important. There are many different home mobility solutions available these days, each of which has its own advantages and disadvantages.

For instance, if the problem is not so much getting yourself or those who live with you up the stairs, but rather an issue of carrying somewhat burdensome items up and down the stairs—such as boxes, bags, and other cumbersome items—then installing a dumbwaiter might be an easier and less expensive solution than an entire elevator. If you or someone you live with are a wheelchair user, a wheelchair stair lift may be all you require to safely get up and down the stairs of your home. Whatever home mobility solution you decide on, there are a few things you need to take into consideration.

First, whether you decide to install a stairlift or an elevator, you need to determine how big of a space you will have to work with and whether or not this space will be sufficient for your needs. Some stairwells are too windy or oddly shaped to handle a stairlift, and if this is the case with your home, you will have no other choice but to install an elevator. Luckily, as we have previously mentioned, the prices on home elevators have decreased drastically in recent years, and some have even gone as far as to say that installing a home elevator is cheaper than relocating to a one story home.

On the subject of home elevator cost, it is also reassuring to note that the installation of a home elevator can vastly increase the property value of your home. Some experts even claim that a home elevator or stair lift are the two most common home add ons that currently increase property value. This can be beneficial if you or your loved one eventually decides to move out of the home and into an assisted living situation, such as a nursing home or an independent retirement community.

Once you’ve determined that you have enough space to install a home elevator or stair lift, you’ll need to work out some of the more minor details. These details will mostly be style related, such as the type of door on your elevator, the interior material used in the elevator, the addition of a telephone jack or emergency button, and the carrying capacity of the elevator. Your contractor should be able to help you make many of these decisions and still keep you within your personal budget.

When shopping for a Denver stair lift or residential elevator, keep in mind that these things should not be considered luxuries, but rather necessities for a living a comfortable, mobile, independent life in your own home. At some point, many elderly and disabled persons will choose to move to a Denver assisted living community instead of living on their own. However, a stair lift or home elevator can prove to be a viable alternative to this. Since installing a stair lift or home elevator will require some home remodeling, renovation, and maintenance, we’ve listed some local Denver resources below that we feel confident in recommending to all of our readers.

As always, thanks for stopping by and taking the time to read our articles!

Recommended Denver Home Improvement Contractors:

Posted in Contractor Marketing, Home Improvement Advice, Industry News Tags: , , ,

Roofing Ventilation Upkeep

May 24th, 2011 No Comments

Ventilation is a key component to the roofing of any home or building. Roofing vents are designed to remove excess heat and moisture from attic spaces to help normalize the temperature difference between the environment within and outside of the attic space. Heat and moisture that are trapped inside attic spaces can cost you money on energy bills, not to mention cause serious damage to your roofing if not properly ventilated. Although there some technical aspects to roofing ventilation systems, you should be able to locate and even fix many roofing ventilation issues with a little bit of knowledge about them.

Before you decide to make any inspections or repairs, make sure you have the proper protective gear to complete the job. This includes gloves, a hard hat, protective goggles, quality steel-toe boots, knee pads, and a durable pair of work jeans. In addition, make sure the ladder you will be using is in excellent condition and does not have any parts missing or any damage whatsoever. Always put safety before all else when it comes to any home repair projects.

Once you’re sure that you have all the proper gear for the job, you’ll want to climb to the top of your roof and begin inspection on the roofing vents. The first thing that many roofing and plumbing experts recommend looking at is the condition of the roof jacks, which are metal sleeves that cover the plumbing vents on the roofing ventilation system. These metal jacks are fitted with rubber grommets that are designed to keep outside moisture from entering the ventilation system and leaking into the attic. If any of these grommets are damaged or missing, they can affect the efficiency of the ventilation system and must be replaced as soon as possible.

As for the actual metal of the roof jacks, if you notice any damage in the form of cracks, you can use roof tar to seal these cracks. Though you can use roof tar as a repair for minor damage, it is recommended that you fully replace any roof jacks that are severely damaged. In order to do this, you may have to cut away any tar that was previously applied and scrape away any excess tar left over after the roof jack removal and before you install a new roof jack. When installing a new roof jack, you will need to use the roof tar to secure the roof jack and allow the tar to dry overnight.

Again, although these repairs can be done with a little knowledge of how roofing and plumbing vents work, if you find yourself unsure of anything at any given step, it is recommended that you call a professional. Lucky for you, we personally know several Denver plumbing repair experts, Denver roofing contractors, and Colorado roofing companies that we feel confident recommending to you. Check out our favorite contractors sidebar to your right for all of your home improvement needs!

Posted in Contractor Marketing, Home Improvement Advice, Outdoor Remodeling Tags: , , ,

The Cost of a New Roof

May 2nd, 2011 No Comments

There are many factors that go into the cost of installing a new roof Denver on your Colorado home, some which are more obvious than others. As a homeowner, if you are not familiar will all of these elements, you might underestimate what you’ll be spending on a new roof and end up with a bill that is significantly larger than you expected or can afford. The following are just a few of the main factors that you need to keep in mind when deciding to replace your existing roof with a new one.

Perhaps the most obvious factor that goes into the price of a new roof is the type of roof. Certain roofing materials are going to be more expensive than others, so this should be the first element of your new roof Denver that you decide on. Will plain old composite asphalt shingles suffice, or would you rather spring for a longer lasting, lower maintenance material like clay tiles? Whatever you decide, make sure the material is suitable for your building situation and that you get a quote before any work begins, so you can determine just how much of your budget will be going to the materials themselves.

On top of the type of roofing material that will be used on your new roof, the method of installation will also have an effect on the overall cost of the job. For instance, the medium used to adhere the roofing to the building can vary greatly in price. With your typical composite asphalt shingle roofing, price can fluctuate based on the type of nails you choose to install the roofing with. As a side note, if a Denver roofing contractor tries to install your asphalt roofing with staples, you should hire someone else because staples should never be used on asphalt roofing. If you decide on another type of roofing, you may end up using adhesive solvents instead of nails, which can either save or cost you more money depending on what type of adhesive you end up choosing.

These are only two of the many factors that can increase or decrease the price of your new roofing. We’ll be posting more articles soon on the subject of new roofing costs, so check back regularly if you’re a Coloradan in the market for a new roof.

Posted in Contractor Marketing, Home Improvement Advice, Outdoor Remodeling Tags: ,

The Need for Metal Building Insulation

April 20th, 2011 No Comments

It’s no mystery: steel buildings are on the rise. Steel is usually a cheaper, more durable, and low maintenance alternative to many other building materials, including wood and brick. In addition, steel is more widely available than many other materials in most areas of the country. Just as with buildings of other materials, however, steel buildings do require insulation for many reasons.

First, and perhaps most obvious, steel, as with any other metal, is highly conductive. This means that it will tend to conduct a lot of heat during warmer months and a lot of cold during cooler months, causing the inside temperature of your building to vary with the intensity of the daily weather. With metal building insulation, your steel building will retain warmth during the winter and keep heat out during the summer. This will eventually manifest itself in the form of a lower electricity and / or gas bill for your building.

Condensation is another issue that steel buildings, as opposed to buildings constructed with other materials, experience. Moisture can build up on steel building panels and eventually begin to drip, causing problems with other building structures and posing a potential safety hazard. Moisture can cause steel corrosion which could be hazardous to anyone accessing the roof, in addition to water resting on steel acting as an electricity accident waiting to happen. Metal building insulation can also help absorb and prevent this condensation from occurring by acting as a barrier between outside and inside steel panels, preventing moisture transfer.

If you don’t have your steel building insulation installed and maintained correctly, however, you may experience a few problems. One of the worst issues that you might encounter is insulation saturation. This occurs when too much moisture seeps between steel panels and is absorbed by the insulation. This saturation can eventually result in mold, which can spread to other parts of your building causing a lot of damage. If you catch the saturation early, you can likely have the insulation repaired or removed and replaced. Whatever the price you pay to have this done, it’ll be worth it in the long run when your building isn’t infested with mold.

In the end, insulation is a must for most steel buildings. It will help control temperatures during both the winter and summer months, and keep condensation from causing more damage than it should. Just make sure that you always do your research when it comes to finding a company or contractor who know what they’re doing with steel building insulation.

Posted in Contractor Marketing, Home Improvement Advice Tags: ,

New Pre-Screened Denver Contractor Directory by iClick Local

March 25th, 2010 No Comments

iClick Websites, LLC launched it’s first of many localized business directories, this time starting with the new Denver Remodeling Directory which features pre-screened local home service contractors around the  Denver Metro area.

DenverContractor.net – the new iClick Local Directory features Home Remodeling Contractors, Bathroom Remodelers, Kitchen Remodeling, Basement Finishing, Heating Contractors, Landscaping Contractors, Lawn Care, Plumbing, Roofing & Gutters, Asphalt Paving, Tree Service and over 35 other home service categories in and around the Denver metro area.

To learn more or to connect with a local Denver  Home Improvement Contractor visit www.denvercontractor.net.

Posted in Contractor Marketing, Home Improvement Advice

Contractor Marketing, Canvassing Basics

March 12th, 2010 No Comments

Have you considered canvassing for your contractor business? Are your leads trickling in? A well-run canvassing campaign can boost those lead numbers and increase sales in no time.

Canvassing Basics

Most people are familiar with canvassing as it pertains to political campaigns, or those annoying religious groups who ring the bell just as you sit down for dinner. In fact, it is often because of the negative connotations with canvassing established by such groups that contractors don’t consider this option for their overall marketing plan.

Yes, canvassing is going door-to-door. When run properly, canvassing can be a very effective direct contact marketing tool that, at the very least, will put a brochure with your company’s name and phone number on it in the hands of a homeowner. In a best-case scenario, the canvasser will leave the doorstep with a scheduled estimate or demonstration, or have the homeowner scrambling to call the sales rep to schedule such an appointment.

Who does the canvassing? This depends on how you want to run it. As the contractor business owner, you can go door-to-door yourself, although this probably isn’t a good use of your time. You can have employees ringing doorbells in the neighborhood where an install is happening (or has just been completed). Or, if you really want to do it right, you can hire part-timers (many political campaigns will employee college students looking to make an extra buck or two) to do the canvassing. How you choose to go about it will be influenced by a number of factors, including workforce, time, and budget. If you do choose to hire part-time canvassers, you’ll want to hire a canvassing manager to oversee these new employees.

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Your canvassing manager can be you, the owner, an employee hired from within the company, or an outsider. Having a canvassing manager is vital to a successful canvassing campaign. The manager is responsible for recruiting, interviewing and hiring, training, and tracking of canvassers. This is no small task. It is wise to consider assigning this role to someone within the company, as they will be very effective when it comes to training the canvassers on the particulars of the business.

To conduct a canvassing campaign, the canvassers need to be trained, and they should have a “script” that they follow when the door opens. Having the dialogue arranged and practice is crucial to moving things along to compel the homeowner to action, i.e. scheduling an estimate or calling the business to do so. When canvassing in a neighborhood where the business is doing-or has done-a job, it is smart to point homeowners in the direction of that job, so they can see what kind of work you do. This is why it is wise to canvass in neighborhoods where you are currently doing an install.

Investment and Return

It is difficult to put a number on the return expected from a canvassing campaign, but there can be no doubt that this form of marketing can increase leads, particularly when done correctly. And in this economy, generating leads is on the fore of every contractor business owner’s mind. What to do with those leads is another matter. Canvassing leads can be slightly different from other leads, and it is a good idea to prepare your sales staff to deal with them. They may require a little extra attention.

With regards to the cost of such a campaign, it will depend on how it is run. When hiring part-time help to do the door-to-door work, you’re looking at evaluating payroll ($/hour, hours/week, # of employees, etc.), and other overhead costs (pamphlet or brochure costs).

For contractor businesses inclined to run a canvassing campaign but short on specifics, consider hiring a professional canvassing consultant, like CanvassKing, LLC (www.canvassking.com). These consulting companies will work over the phone with contractors, to train the canvassing manager, help put brochures together, guide the sales staff on dealing with canvassing leads, and offer suggestions on the “script” that the canvassers will use. CanvassKing charges $297 per month for their entry-service, which requires a year-long commitment. It’s a worthwhile investment for the business hoping to get their canvassing campaign right.

By Benjamin E. Hardy

Posted in Contractor Marketing Tags:

Why Some Plumbers Throw $$ Down The Drain

March 8th, 2010 No Comments

Plumbers are usually very good at their trade but when it comes to marketing their services, they are too busy flushing money down a drain to notice where the leak is happening.

Find a Denver Plumbing Contractor here!

I have recently just done a bit of research to see what many Plumbers are doing and use to market their contracting businesses, and to say I’m appalled is putting it rather mildly. Actually, I was horrified.

Waste is something that in this world today, cannot be condoned. I know Plumbers who save every last bit of pipe and putty because “I might need it one day” and they are dead set right. The number of times they seem to have just the right sort or size pipe to use to fix that leak or change the washer on an older style tap never ceases to surprise me. Frankly, I can only hope they keep most of it in a shed in an industrial estate somewhere and not in their back yard. Otherwise wives and neighbors are likely to become very upset at the mess. (more…)

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Chicago Remodelers Plug into iClick Performance Websites

March 1st, 2010 No Comments

Chicago Remodeling Contractors are among thousands of local contractors who are drastically switching to local internet advertising solutions offered by Denver based Contractor Marketing & Advertising Company, iClick Websites.

Organic SEO has proven to drive a powerful ROI to home improvement contractors and is a great way to generate solid sales leads  for your orginization.

So what exactly is a ‘Performance Website?’

Performance Websites by iClick are little websites that are designed to showcase your company, your features while promoting exceptional placement in all major search engines and across over 100 local directories and social networks for as low as $199/mo. It’s simple; we manage the website, we manage the search engine optimization, we manage the hosting, email management and lead generation!

Performance Websites Are Powerful!

We create a micro site that is designed for user excellence and maximum search engine placement that is branded to your business; we host it, we provide you with email (if desired) and we install Analytics and Call Tracking software to help manage your ROI.

Here’s how it works!

Lets say your a home owner in Denver looking for a qualified local Denver Plumbing Contractor… the first thing you will probably do is visit Google, Yahoo or Bing and search for something like: Denver Plumbing.

Click here to learn more about iClick Performance Websites for Contractors

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