Philadelphia-based writer Jim Cory is a senior contributing editor to Professional Remodeler who specializes in covering the remodeling and home improvement industry. Reach him at [email protected].

decking rebuild

How Soon Can We Have Our Deck?

Among exterior projects, building a deck is by far the most discretionary. It’s not about keeping rain or wind out of the house. It’s about relaxing and entertaining. The homeowner...
June 27, 2019
full frame window replacement

Insert or Full Frame Window Replacement, Which Will It Be?

The project was a window and siding replacement. The company doing the work, Brothers Services, of Baltimore, elected to replace the existing windows with what are sometimes referred...
April 22, 2019
setting siding standards with clients

Setting Siding Standards

With siding replacement, as with most home improvement jobs, it's common to face unexpected challenges after the old materials come down. Different companies have their own...
March 21, 2019
crown molding design

Ready For Your Deck Inspection?

There are 40 million decks in the U.S., according to the North American Deck and Rail Association (NADRA), with maybe half of them code compliant. Meanwhile, deck failures...
Feb. 22, 2019
roofing installation model remodel

5 Tips for Keeping Roofing Subs Happy

Industry members know that the workforce is aging, with fewer young people coming to replace them.  Ted Swanson, owner of Trinity Exteriors in Eden Prairie, Minn., has quantitative...
Jan. 23, 2019

Process Trumps Products for Window Customers

Dan Schweihs was working at a manufacturing business in 2009 when he told his boss he was quitting to open a retail window replacement company. “Wow,” says the manager. “...
Dec. 27, 2018
dont filter your online reviews

Think Twice Before Filtering Reviews

Years ago, homeowners needing a contractor looked to friends for recommendations and referrals. Today? Reviews. “In a recent Houzz survey, 83% of homeowners said that reviews ...
Dec. 27, 2018
remodeler installing siding good customer service

Give Homeowners the Service They Least Expect

Last September, Scott Siegal, president of Certified Contractors Network and owner of Maggio Roofing, told a story at the group’s fall conference. It was about...
Nov. 27, 2018