On Thursday, Oct. 11, Join us for the 2007 NAHB Remodelers Gala at the Hard Rock Hotel and Casino where we honor CADRE, Remodeler of the Year, and Homes for Life Winners. Click here for more information and to get your tickets.

Examine any successful remodeling company and you'll find the key component to the success is a well-trained and dedicated staff. Whether the company is a staff of three or thirty, education and know-how is vital to keep the company profitable and robust.

The Remodeling Show recognizes this and actively seeks out the latest technical skills and up-to-date business practices for every staff member in a remodeling business. Calling on top-notch remodelers and industry professionals to lead and instruct assures you that the information to be received 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 which ones you are interested in!

• Sunday, Oct. 7
  9:00 a.m-5:00 p.m.

Working with and Marketing to Older Adults*
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 homeowners 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.

• Monday, Oct. 8
  9:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m.

Design/Build*
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.

• Monday, Oct. 8
  9:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m.

Home Modifications*
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 you the relevant codes and standards, depicts common barriers, and demonstrates how to redesign living areas for safety and comfort.

• Monday, Oct. 8
  9:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m.

Introduction to Project Management* (New Summer 2007)
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 of the management of their project? Answer these questions and more in this course. Topics include: project management duties, tools, and management of trade contractors. This is a “must” for the builder or remodeler who is ready to take his/her 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.

• Tuesday, Oct. 9
  9:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m.

Business Management for Building Professionals*
Learn the management skills that give industry leaders the edge. This course will give you a solid foundation in those best business practices 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.

• Tuesday, Oct. 9
  9:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m.

Construction Contracts and Law*
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.

• Tuesday, Oct. 9
  1:00 p.m.-4:30 p.m.

PREP: Your First Step to CGR*
Course Fee: $195
The PREP is the required first step in the process of becoming a Certified Graduate Remodeler (CGR). It is a three-hour, 130 multiple- choice question assessment that 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.

• Tuesday, Oct. 9
  9:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m.

Sales & Marketing for Remodelers*
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 contented customers in your community.

• Friday, October 12
  9:00 a.m.-12:30 p.m.

PREP: Your First Step to CGR*
Course Fee: $195
The PREP is the required first step in the process of becoming a Certified Graduate Remodeler (CGR). It is a three-hour, 130 multiple-choice question assessment that 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.

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

* Please note: All pre- and post-conference courses will be capped at attendance of 50 registrants per course, so register early! [return to top]