ReNews -- Remodelors Council News : 2005-06-08

Remodeling activity showed strong growth in the first quarter of 2005, according to the National Association of Home Builders’ (NAHB) Remodeling Market Index (RMI). Today’s first quarter results were two points ahead of the seasonally adjusted fourth quarter of 2004.

“The RMI showed a nice rebound from some worse than normal weather this past winter, particularly in the Northeast and Midwest,” said Remodelors Council Chairman Don Novak, CGR, CAPS, CGB, a remodeler from Cedar Rapids, Iowa.

The RMI is derived from a quarterly national survey of more than 500 remodelers and is seasonally adjusted. The current market conditions index grew two points, from 50.7 last quarter to 52.9. The future expectations index moved slightly lower from 54 to 53.6, but remained in the positive zone. Regionally, market conditions showed strong growth across the board except for the West.

The current market conditions in the Northeast grew from 46.7 in the fourth quarter of 2004 to 53.8; with a 1.3 point decline in future expectations during the same period. The Midwest grew 2.9 points from last quarter to 48.9, and also showed a slowdown in future expectations from 48.8 to 47.6. The South continues to be a strong performer, growing from 52.9 to 58.4 and a 2.2 point growth in future expectations to 60.1. The West fell 5.1 points from last quarter to 53.6, with future expectations down 3.1 points to 54.2.

“We saw solid growth in the first quarter of this year and continued positive momentum into the next quarter,” said NAHB Chief Economist Dave Seiders. “Calls for bids, amounts of work committed and backlogs of remodeling jobs are all up, leading us to expect continued healthy growth over the balance of 2005.”

The market saw little change in major additions and alterations ($25,000 or more), moving from 49.88 to 50.19. However, the renter-occupied market — which makes up approximately one-third of all remodeling activity — showed strong growth with a more than five point gain from 34.45 to 39.7. Minor additions and alterations showed stronger growth, moving from 50.15 to 52.78, with the renter-occupied market again leading the charge on a seven point increase.

The RMI “special questions” section surveyed remodelers on in-house design services and their involvement with retailers and professional design dealers, such as Lowe's and Home Depot. Of the 66% of remodeling companies that offer design services to customers, only 6% work with a retailer or professional design dealer to install or provide remodeling jobs. Of those that offer in-house design services, 57% employed a general designer, followed by interior designer, certified kitchen designer or architect at 17%, 15% and 15% respectively.

Scholarship Winner Reflects on Spring Board

What a grand surprise to hear that I was the 2005 recipient of the Bryan Patchen Scholarship and would be going to the spring Board of Directors meeting in Washington, D.C. This honor and recognition is something I never expected.

This scholarship was designed to initiate a Remodelors Council Vice Chair to the workings of the national organization and to introduce them to the many opportunities that are available to all members of the RC and HBA.

I was overwhelmed with the introductions at each session with the amount of continued education the leaders had. I felt almost small with just saying “Sharon Roberts-Meyer, Linden, Bartel and Noe Insurance, Vice Chair RC, Associate Member.” I didn’t have CGR or CAPS to add to my introduction! I was impressed that those initials were the significant indication of the strong belief in continued education; education that brings purpose to the individuals and creditability to the companies that have spent time and money to earn those designations.

Meeting men and women who believe in continued education and support the many designated programs to further each person’s individual education while raising the level for the entire industry was the overall theme that I brought back. It was energizing to be among a group that supports each other and believes in each other the way this organization encourages.

My promise to the RC council is to work diligently in helping our local members become aware of the many educational opportunities that will enhance their businesses and I will work to help educate our communities as to the importance in doing business with HBA and especially Remodelors Council members.

If I was made aware of anything, it was again of that old saying, “If you want to get something out of an organization, you have to put something in!” I encourage all the members of the Remodelors Council to attend the meetings, meet your RC associates, network with them and get those additional designations. They will enhance your own belief and knowledge of this industry and they certainly will help you have a longer, impressive introduction at any national meeting.

June Remodelor of the Month

Erik Anderson, CGR, CAPS, CGB, GMB, of Anderson-Moore Builders in Winston Salem, N.C., is the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) Remodelors™ Council June Remodelor of the Month. Anderson, selected through a stringent judging process of Remodelors Council leadership, exemplifies the best in the remodeling industry. Anderson joined NAHB and the Remodelors Council in 1998.

“We try so hard to do the right thing for our customers, community, employees and industry,” said Anderson. “It’s great to know that we’re heading down the right path.”

Anderson is a member of the HBA of Winston Salem and was selected from entries from five states. He has earned the Certified Graduate Remodelor (CGR) and Certified Aging-in-Place Specialist (CAPS) designations.

Anderson has served in a variety of leadership roles, including President of the Winston Salem HBA as well as helping lead many community projects. The HBA of Winston Salem has many service projects including Habitat for humanity, Samaritan Industries, Ronald McDonald House, and Brenners Children’s Hospital, among others.

He has taken an active national role in the industry, including writing more than 20 articles for various publications throughout the country, and was named NARI Regional Contractor of the Year and a Quarterly Remodeler Top 500 Contractors.

Don't miss your opportunity to be named August 2005 Remodelor of the Month. Get your Remodelor of the Month application in by July 5. August is open to all at-large council members. At-large Remodelors Council members join the National Remodelors Council directly because there is no local Remodelors Council within their HBA.

This is a great opportunity for local councils and members to get involved and submit their “best of the best” members to compete with other councils. The national Remodelors Council will send out press releases and highlight each winner in ReNews. Each Remodelor of the Month winner will be automatically included in the nominations for the 2005 Remodelor of the Year award. Qualified Remodelers magazine is the sponsor of the Remodelor of the Year award.

Check out the Remodelor of the Month program schedule and mark your calendars!

RC Membership Bigger, Better

The NAHB Remodelors Council membership is on the rise. The Council has seen positive growth in membership for nine consecutive months starting in August 2004 and there is no sign of slowing down. As of April 2005, Remodelors Council membership is up by 13.5% over April 2004 to more than 7,200 members.

Several local Remodelors Councils have had great strides in membership as we hit the 2005 mid year mark including HBA of Greater Fox Valley (Ill.), Long Island Builders Institute (N.Y.), Greater Houston BA (Texas), HBA of Greater Fox Valley (Ill.), and MBA of King and Snohomish Counties (Wash.).

At the national level, Remodelors Council staff and leadership have stepped up to the challenge by implementing a multi-staged membership recruitment campaign to increase the At-Large Membership population. The campaign included direct mail, e-mail and internet marketing.

New CGR Brochure

Show potential customers why they should hire you as a Certified Graduate Remodelor. The new brochure is designed to give consumers a better understanding of what it means to earn the CGR designation and why they should look for the CGR by your name. There is also a business card holder in the new design to direct consumers to your business, at a cost of $25 for 50 brochures. Download the order form here.

It Ads Up

View the Remodelors Council consumer ad in the May/June issue of House Beautiful: Home Remodeling & Redecorating, opposite page 54. This special interest publication is published by Hanley-Wood and can be found in newstands, supermarkets and big box stores.

Remodeling Show 2005

Join the only national event that brings together all aspects of the remodeling industry under one roof. The 2005 Remodeling Show presented by the Remodelors Council, offers opportunities to meet with top manufacturers, preview new innovations, network with your peers, and take advantage of the Council’s educational opportunities.

Working With and Marketing to Older Adults provides a background on methods of advertising, networking and sales to the older adult population. You’ll learn appropriate communication techniques and common remodeling expenditures and projects. Additionally, you’ll receive information and techniques to assist you in accessing the aging in place remodeling market.

Learn the codes, standards, common barriers and solutions required by remodeling for the aging in place consumer. You’ll be able to properly assess and meet the home modification needs of older adults, as well as identify current clients’ future needs.

This one-day course will teach you the ins and outs of managing risk and insurance for your business. You’ll learn strategies for avoiding, minimizing and transferring risks. Sections also include shopping for liability insurance and managing risk with subcontractors and first-party property insurance.

Key to success in the competitive remodeling business environment is effective sales and marketing of your products and services. In this course, you’ll take home techniques for improving your business by generating sales leads, closing sales and increasing customer satisfaction and referrals.

Increase your profit margin and quality control. This course teaches the systematic planning processes that are used by industry experts. You’ll be able to create a strategic business plan that will guide your business through 2005 and beyond.

The PREP is the required first step in the process of becoming a Certified Graduate Remodelor™ (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, including, marketing and sales; business administration; design, estimating and job costing; contracts, liability and risk management; and 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.

This course will give you a better handle on the issue of quality improvement in the residential home building and remodeling industries. Focus will be on quality standards, quality compromises, hurdles to improving quality and methods for improving construction quality. You’ll learn how to develop, implement and assess an action plan to minimize quality compromises.

The only CGR only industry event! Join your CGR peers in recognizing the new 2005 graduates and toast your own CGR success. The reception is open to CGRs and CGR candidates. The event is free for CGRs and includes one guest with advance registration. Additional information on time and location, as well as how to RSVP, will be distributed later this summer.

The most prominent event of the year for NAHB Remodelors Council, the Gala celebrates the CADRE, Remodelor of the Year, as well as the 2005 induction of the Remodeling Hall of Fame. A cocktail reception will be followed by an awards presentation, dinner and dancing. Gala registration will be available later this spring.

Fall Board Sneak Preview

Below is the tentative schedule for the 2005 Fall Board Meeting. Events and times are subject to change.

Thursday, Sept. 8
8:00-10:00 a.m.		CGR Board of Governors
8:00-10:00 a.m.		Membership & Council Development Comm.
8:30-10:00 a.m.		R20 Clubs Working Group
10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.		Public Affairs Committee
10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.		Education & Business Development Comm.
1:00-3:00 p.m.		CAPS Board of Governors
1:00-3:00 p.m.		Business Associates Committee
3:30-5:30 p.m.		Leadership Development Committee
6:30-9:30 p.m.		Remodelors Night Out

Friday, Sept. 9
7:30-10:30 a.m.		Remodelors Council Board of Trustees (All Staff)
3:00-6:00 p.m.		Remodelors Council General Session (All Staff)

Saturday, Sept. 10
7:30-10:30 a.m.		Area Caucuses
11:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m.		Remodelors Council Awards Judging
2:00-5:00 p.m.		NAHB Board of Directors Meeting

Sunday, Sept. 11
8:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m.		NAHB Board of Directors Meeting

Get Recognized!

The Council Awards for Demonstrating Remodeling Excellence (CADRE) are the highest honors awarded to local Remodelors™ Councils for superior member service.

The CADRE call for entries has been mailed to all local councils and is also available online at www.nahb.org/remodelors under the Awards section. The winners will be announced at the Remodelors™ Council Gala during the 2005 Remodeling Show in Baltimore (Oct 12-15).

Show off your local council’s great work by submitting an application in one or all of the following categories:

The CADRE is sponsored by Remodelors™ Council Platinum Strategic Partner Pella Corporation.

Enter the CADRE and win recognition for your great work! CADRE entries are due by Friday, Sept 2. For more information, email the Remodelors Council, remodel@nahb.com, 800-368-5242 x8216.

The Remodelors™ Council is making the call for entries into one of the Council’s most prestigious awards program, the Remodelor™ of the Year Award.

The Remodelor of the Year Award recognizes exemplary NAHB involvement at any level, superior business management, and an outstanding contribution to the remodeling industry. Councils should nominate individual remodelers, but the nominee must write his or her own entry essay. All entries in this category must come from local councils.

The Remodelor of the Year application is available online at www.nahb.org/remodelors under the Awards section. The winner will be announced at the Remodelors Council Gala during the 2005 Remodeling Show in Baltimore (Oct 12-15).

The Remodelor of the Year award is sponsored by Qualified Remodeler magazine. The winner will be featured in an issue of the Qualified Remodeler magazine.

Award entries are due to the Remodelors Council by Friday, Sept 2. For more information, contact the Remodelors Council, remodel@nahb.com, 800-368-5242 x8216.

It is that time of year again when the Remodelors™ Council begins searching for the best of the best for induction into the National Remodeling Hall of Fame. This award honors those individuals who have made a significant and lasting impact on the remodeling industry whether on a state or national basis.

Induction into National Remodeling Hall of Fame is open to individuals in any public or private sector entity or institution. Areas of contribution may include industry image, governmental affairs, education, business management or any other contribution that has helped advance the remodeling profession. We encourage you to nominate individuals who have made a positive impact on the remodeling industry. Self nominations are not permitted.

Completed applications must be received by July 13. The induction ceremony will take place at the Remodelors™ Council Gala during the 2005 Remodeling Show in Baltimore, Oct 12-15.

An application can be downloaded from the Remodelors Council Web site under Remodelors Council Awards. Contact Barbara Drobins, bdrobins@nahb.com or call 800-368-5242 x8217 with questions regarding this prestigious awards program.

Beat This Deal

GM is offering preferred GM Supplier discount pricing to NAHB members on more than 80 General Motors vehicles — including Chevrolet, Pontiac, Buick, GMC, Oldsmobile, Cadillac, Saturn, HUMMER (except H1) and Saab passenger cars, light duty trucks, vans and SUVs — as part of NAHB’s Member Advantage discount program.

The GM Supplier pricing program is available to members who purchase or lease 2004, 2005 or 2006 model-year vehicles. Through the program:

Other Member Advantage Discounts
For the most up-to-date details on the Member Advantage discount program and all of the participating companies, go to http://memberadvantage.nahb.org/. Or visit www.nahb.org to explore the full range of benefits associated with membership in your local, state and national home builders associations.

Platinum Partners

Pella Corporation
Pella Corporation continues its tradition of support of the Remodelors Council as the first Platinum Level Strategic Partner under the new sponsorship program. Pella Corporation is one of the world’s leading manufacturers of premium-quality windows and doors. Pella offers a full range of residential and commercial products under three distinct product lines — Architect Series, Designer Series and ProLine. Pella’s Precision Fit windows are high-quality wood replacement windows. Extensive information about the company and its products is available at www.pella.com.

Whirlpool Corporation
Whirlpool Corporation is the world's leading manufacturer and marketer of major home appliances. The company markets Whirlpool, KitchenAid, Brastemp, Bauknecht, Consul and other major brand names to consumers in more than 170 countries. Understanding the unique needs of customers and translating those needs into products and services that build long-term loyalty is the fundamental approach of Whirlpool. Whirlpool’s portfolio of brands offers solutions to the diverse needs of their customers in every home ... everywhere. Visit the company Web site at www.whirlpoolcorp.com.

GE Consumer Finance
GE Consumer Finance is a leading provider of financial services to consumers and retailers in 39 countries around the world. As a unit of the General Electric Company, it offers a full range of innovative financial products to suit our partners' needs. Those products include private label credit cards, personal loans, bank cards, auto loans and leases, mortgages, corporate travel and purchasing cards, debt consolidation, home equity loans and credit insurance. For more information about GE Consumer Finance, visit www.geconsumerfinance.com.

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Please contact RC Communications Manager Jim Lapides at 800-368-5242 x8451 or jlapides@nahb.org.

ReNews -- Remodelors Council News - June 8, 2005 (Print All Articles)

RMI Shows Strong First Quarter Growth