Back in 2000, clients of Classic Homeworks, the Denver residential remodeling company Rick Pratt founded, were not too excited about green remodeling. Yet he had always considered himself an environmentalist and wanted to introduce energy-saving, environmentally friendly designs and products to his business.

More often than not, outdoor living space will include an open-air kitchen complete with top-of-the-line appliances and high-end finishes designed to be both functional and beautiful.

Materials such as glass, wire and engineered composite products are winning over traditional wood offerings in railings and balusters. Consumers are interested in the new products with an eye toward durability and design.

Variation in climate and conditions, lot size and zoning restrictions make it difficult to normalize decking trends; however, one driving force in all markets is maintenance.

The same way a thoughtfully chosen frame enhances a work of art, the landscaping that surrounds this spec-built luxury ranch creates a lush, secluded setting for this Wallace Neff-inspired beauty in Irvine, Calif.

The stay-at-home trend coupled with the home-improvement boom continues to bode well for contractors who specialize in deck building and outdoor living areas. One way to operate the most profitable business possible is to implement highly efficient systems.

As America's population ages, especially the large baby boomer generation, the opportunities for remodeling projects suited to their changing needs grows. Contributing Editor Tom Swartz asks two industry professionals their opinion on how to make the most of the growing market.

Harvard's Joint Center for Housing Studies says the estimated recent growth of homeowner remodeling spending has eased substantially but still remains near its long-term rate of 5 percent.

For the first time, the residential remodeling activity in last year’s third quarter hit an estimated annual rate of $210 billion.

Have you ever experienced emotions running high or out of control in a family business meeting and wondered what happened? You invested time, energy, heart and skill, but nothing was accomplished because people dug in their heels. Many family businesses are run on an emotional family structure rather than an agreed-upon business structure.