As Rick Pratt sat in an auditorium for his daughter's graduation from Syracuse University in May 2005, strains of pomp and circumstance filling the room with inspiration and hope, he had an epiphany. If he sold his business, Classic Homeworks, which he had spent 20 years growing into one of metropolitan Denver's most successful design/build firms, he wouldn't be giving up on anything.

Some designers would be inclined to view a kitchen renovation project in which the square footage remains static and all the existing floors, doors and windows are maintained as a mere pull-and-replace project that stilts or confines their creativity. But Amanda Johnson, project designer with Atlanta-based Small Carpenters at Large Inc.

One improvement sparked ideas for another. Once HartmanBaldwin, a design-build company in Claremont, Calif., had gutted and remodeled the kitchen and master suite, the family room cried for a makeover. Next came the bathrooms. After two years, project architect Hudson Pruitt and project manager Troy Coats had transformed the entire interior of the Upland, Calif.

Whether you use an in-house architect, outside source or home designer, there are benefits and problems. This month's discussion deals with the good, bad and ugly of those different options. Jud: We're talking about the pros and cons of using an in-house architect. Chris, do you have an in-house architect? Chris: No we don't — we're a design/build firm.

New home builders may be concerned about rising interest rates and slow home sales, but remodelers can still breathe easy knowing that the bottom won't drop out of their business in the very near future. So say experts at the Home Improvement Research Institute, which is predicting growth near 2005 levels for the rest of 2006.

You've just completed a new addition with a beautiful pitched roof and high-end windows. After all that hard work, are you ever proud of the job. If you don't block air, manage water vapor and prevent bulk water infiltration, your proud accomplishment could turn into an embarrassing callback.

In this second installment of Professional Remodeler's two-part series on sales and marketing strategies for increasing local market share, we illustrate the ways one company, DesignLine Remodelers Inc. of Richmond, Va., has created a detailed marketing strategy based on a well-defined client profile, clear sales goals and quality materials. 

The driving impulse for this project rested on generating the perfect view of Washington's Mount Rainier. But Seattle's oft-inclement weather during the drawing stages didn't allow for a clear idea of where the homeowners would have the best vantage point. Here is what Blue Canyon Construction did to guarantee the customer got what they wanted.

This case study takes a look at how JETT Construction handled a cascade of repair project requests in the wake of Florida's hurricane beatings in 2005.

Tom Swartz talks to a CPA and an attorney who counsel remodelers and help them choose the best business structure for their company.