Sales Strategies For Custom Builders
01
Mar
The strengths of a home builder’s skill set typically include being adept at assessing risk, entitling land, securing permits, negotiating with finance people,...
Blog
Recent Blog Posts
Believe it or Not, Climate Change is Impacting Contractors
15
Feb
From Superstorm Sandy to snowpocalypse, climate change-fueled severe weather has become a commonplace occurrence for contractors who often find themselves on...
Your Guide to Building Permits
01
Feb
One aspect of home improvement that many DIYers don’t think about is the building permit. Not getting one, however, can make the job cost way more than...
How to Install Hardwood Flooring
15
Jan
The good news is that most will consider installing hardwood floors easier than installing carpet because the pieces are easier to assemble than cutting carpet...
Insulation Education
15
Dec
Since we all spend most of our time in our homes, it makes sense to want to be as comfortable as possible. Insulation does that, plus it makes this comfort...
Snow Removal Safety Tips
01
Dec
For those who live in the colder climates, snow removal comes with the territory. Unlike mowing the lawn, it’s not the type of job that you can simply get to...
Are You Doing Enough to Build Your Brand?
15
Nov
Building a brand is as essential to a business as building character is to a person. As with character, the process involves balancing nature and nurture,...
Do You Want to Be a Contractor or a Construction Business Owner?
01
Nov
Many remodelers launch a company without a business plan or any written goals. If that description fits, and if your business is close to the $1 million in...
Sanford & Hawley, Inc. Honored With Membership in the LBM Century Club
12
Oct
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASEContact: Rick Schumacher952-892-7793Rick@LBMJournal.com Sanford & Hawley, Inc. Honored With Membership in the LBM Century Club UNIONVILLE,...
How to get a General Contractor’s License
01
Oct
If you’re thinking of going into business as a contractor, it’s important to note that all states require contractors to be licensed. In addition, licensing...
Tips for Final Walk-Through Success
15
Sep
The final walk-through of a home remodeling project is an exciting time for both the client and the contractor. It’s the moment when you can demonstrate the...
Contractor Tips: Shopping for Your Remodel
01
Sep
Though remodeling a home is an expensive endeavor, smart shopping can be one of the best ways to ensure your customer can get the most features and best...
Tips for Installing Vinyl Siding
15
Aug
Installing their own vinyl siding can seem intimidating for many homeowners. The reality is that it’s fairly straightforward to install and work with. Most of...
Home Maintenance Tips for the First-time Buyer
01
Aug
With first-time homebuyers, there is no shortage of one thing: excitement. That’s a good thing, because that excitement is fuel for all of the many things that...
Jobs Too Small or Too Big For a Contractor
15
Jul
Most contractors would probably like to stand by the statement that “no job is too big or too small”. For the most part, it’s probably true. The last thing you...
Contractor Tips: Go Green with your Remodel
01
Jul
If you’re planning to tackle a remodeling project, keep in mind that it’s an excellent opportunity to make use of all of the green options available today....
Measuring Tips and Techniques for DIYers
15
Jun
When doing home improvement projects there are a lot of euphemisms that come with the territory. One that I’m sure we’ve all heard is “measure twice, cut once”...
Comparing Deck Wood Choices
01
Jun
Generally speaking, when you compare common decking materials there are three choices: Cedar, pressure-treated wood and composite decking. Neither one is a bad...
How and Where to use Expanding Foam Insulation
15
May
Expanding foam is one of those products that fall squarely in the duct tape, bailing twine and WD-40 category. It has a list of uses that’s a mile long and is...
Know Where Your Lumber Comes From
15
Apr
If you want to know more about the lumber that you purchase, your search doesn’t have to stop with the lumber store. Did you ever wonder what that stamp on the...
Contractor Tips: Top Home Remodeling Don'ts
01
Mar
There are a lot of challenges for today’s contractors. Keeping up-to-date with the latest tools and techniques, regulations and codes alone can keep them busy....
What You Need to Know about Buying Replacement Windows
25
Feb
So you’ve decided to take the plunge and replace your old windows. Doing so is one of the best investments you can make for your home --not only for the...
How To Correctly Measure For Replacement Doors
25
Feb
Looking to upgrade your exterior steel door to a more energy efficient fiberglass or solid wood door? Or perhaps you want to replace the composite interior...
Choosing the Right Wood for Your Project
15
Feb
As tempting as it may be, cost should not be the driving factor in choosing the right wood for your project. Typically, softwood such as pine and poplar are...
What Every Contractor Should do Before Starting a Job
01
Feb
Okay, let’s get the obvious stuff out of the way. Before starting any job, make sure it is one that you have the knowledge, equipment, manpower and time, to...