Of the countless approaches one can take toward a successful green remodeling project, those related to indoor air quality (IAQ) are among the most prominent. Yet the issue itself is one of the least visible. The air we breathe is a hot topic, but one usually examined in terms of improving our clients' lives once the remodel is done.

The 2007 Market Leaders list highlights the top remodelers in 20 of the largest U.S. remodeling markets in what will be an annual feature in Professional Remodeler.

A three-story addition (basement, first floor and second floor) designed to give a family modern living space.

Turning a finished basement into casual entertaining space with a featured home theater. The owners of this Chester, N.J., home had always planned on upgrading their basement.

In a down market, some remodeling firms will look for commercial projects to keep their employees working and to beef up the bottom line.

For more than two years, Allen Arsenault had watched a prime lot sit on the market as buyers were scared off by the deteriorated vacant building. "It was a sweetheart of a location on one of the busiest roads in town," says Arsenault, the owner of New England Design & Remodeling of Northborough, Mass.

Experts in the remodeling industry offer suggestions for recruiting new employees; certification training for employees and balancing volume against quality of work.

There are six key attitudes to success in any area of life, especially business. The key attitudes are hard work, discipline, diligence, applying best practices, striving for excellence and faith. The seventh key is having a passion for what you do.

Merillat interviews consumers to reveal key insights into homeowners' attitudes and decision-making processes. Information can be valuable to remodeling firms in formulating their sales and marketing strategies.

With many remodeling jobs coming through the pipeline, who's in control, and how do they manage the backlog?