Our first hurdles were the insulation listings and specs submitted by the architect to the planners. With the help of our cellulose manufacturer, we were able to locate listings that would satisfy every wall assembly except the floors.

Last month I started sharing some of the lessons I learned from the last 25 years of owning a remodeling business. Here is the continuation of what I have learned from others regarding building a company and working with people.

Confidence can affect individuals, markets, and an entire country. Confidence allows us to focus on the future rather than just the here and now.

Robust spending on home improvement in the second half of 2012 suggests the remodeling recovery is already underway, and annual homeowner improvement spending should see accelerating double-digit growth through the third quarter of 2013, according to the Leading Indicator of Remodeling Activity (LIRA).

The National Kitchen & Bath Association (NKBA) announced the election of its 2013 executive board, which will preside over the trade group’s 50th anniversary this year.

“Remodelers are indicating major growth in the future, with many saying that clients are feeling more stable in their financial future and their employment situations; therefore, they are spending more freely on remodeling needs,” says Tom O’Grady, CR, CKBR, chairman of NARI’s Strategic Planning & Research Committee and president of O’Grady Builders, based in Drexel Hill, Pa.

To a remodeling contractor, saying “no” to a potential client could possibly be the best decision you make for your company.

U.S. Bancorp and PV-maker SunPower have started a $100 million venture that can boost green standards on about 3,000 single-family homes nationwide.

Bill Shaw will serve as chairman of the National Association of Home Builders Remodelers in 2013, the trade group announced.

Vinyl siding ranks as one of the most environmentally friendly exterior claddings today, as confirmed by a life cycle assessment using Building for Environmental and Economic Sustainability software.