Examine any prospering remodeling company and you'll find that a key component of its success is a well-trained and dedicated staff. Whether the company has a staff of three or 30, education and know-how are vital to keeping the business profitable and robust. Responding to the need to keep remodelers and their employees abreast of the latest advances in the industry, The Remodeling Show puts the latest technical skills and up-to-date business practices at the top of its educational agenda. Calling on top-notch remodelers and industry professionals to lead and instruct ensures that the information provided by their presentations is tried and true. In 2006, the Remodeling Show featured more than 80 courses in five different educational tracks in the traditional conference program alone.

As always, CAPS and CGR classes will be a part of the pre-course offerings. Scan the list below to pick out those that are of interest to you.

Sunday, October 7

Seventy-seven million potential customers are waiting to hire your company. Baby boomers are approaching retirement age, while their parents have retained their own homes later in life than any previous generation. As a result, communities specifically designed for older home owners constitute a growing segment of the remodeling market. Learn how your firm can identify and serve the needs of an aging population. This course gives you techniques to use when marketing to the older adult population. You’ll learn to recognize the housing needs of older adults and how to communicate the best remodeling options to them.

When well managed, a full-service building or remodeling business can increase profits and maximize customer satisfaction. If you’ve ever considered running a design/build operation, this course shows you how to assess the challenges ahead. Learn how the few and the bold have benefited from implementing a design/build strategy and how to make your own design/build business a success.

Most older adults would prefer to remain in their own homes for the rest of their lives. You can help your customers achieve that goal. Physical limitations often force older people out of their homes when sensible remodeling could preserve a cherished way of life. This course teaches the relevant codes and standards, depicts common barriers and demonstrates how to redesign living areas for safety and comfort.

Do you have an understanding of the project management process? Is your company’s project management process efficient and effective? What are your customers’ expectations for the management of their project? Answer these questions and more in this course. Topics include: project management duties, and tools and management of trade contractors. This is a “must” for builders and remodelers who are ready to take their company to the next level. Stay ahead of the competition by serving your customers with a high-quality project management process that is a reflection of your company.

Learn the management skills that give industry leaders the edge.This course will provide a solid foundation in the best business practices that are so valuable to smaller businesses: planning, organizing, staffing, directing and controlling. By using case studies and sample forms, your instructors give you practical and applicable tools for management success.

Protect your business against legal problems with well-written contracts. Because many construction or remodeling companies are too small to hire legal staff, it's important to understand basic contractual law. This course provides a step-by-step explanation of how contracts help keep customer and supplier relationships positive, resolve problems and lower the risk of lawsuits. You'll learn about required and optional wording, warranties and arbitration procedures. Special emphasis is given to reviewing contracts for unfavorable provisions.

The PREP is the required first step in the process of becoming a Certified Graduate Remodelor (CGR). This three-hour, 130 multiple-choice-question assessment measures a candidate’s knowledge in five core areas of remodeling business management:

• Marketing and Sales
• Business Administration
• Design, Estimating and Job Costing
• Contracts, Liability and Risk Management
• Project Management

Candidates do not pass or fail the PREP. Results determine the course of study for CGR candidates and will count as one CGR course.

To survive and thrive in today’s business environment, a remodeler requires a constant supply of leads and clients. This course will help you build a positive reputation and satisfied customers in your community.

Course Fees: NAHB Member: $185, Non-NAHB Member: $235, unless otherwise noted.

* Please note: Attendance at all pre- and post-conference courses will be capped at 50 registrants, so register early. [ return to top ]