Episode 314
Week of May 17, 2008
Contractors can help to stop the growing problem of deck failures. Learn the key features that make windows energy efficient. Plastic piping is a new option for building and remodeling. Some simple ideas to make a shower "green."
Business Tip:
Set the Right Price
- We remember first numbers (the reason $1.99 sounds less than $2.00)
- Reasonable but higher than acceptable price gives buyers a higher reference
- Round number = Quality
- Precise number = Bargain
- Make it easy to calculate the difference when dropping prices
Four Pricing Tricks to Sell Your Home Faster by Jonathan Clements, The Wall Street Journal
Contractors.com matches homeowners with contractors, verifies all leas, accepts bids from only three contractors.
Segment 1:
In the News:
- 179 deck collapse from 2000-1006. 33 deaths, 1,122 injuries. More than 75% of the people on a deck are injured or killed in a collapse. Most failures occur at connection of house and deck ledger.
- NAHB encourages Congress to extend tax-incentives for new energy efficient homes, also wants the amount of the tax credit to be increased.
- NAHB also calls on congress to quickly enact a stimulus package to jump-start housing.
- Sherwin Williams reports a 30% sales decline.
- Sherwin Williams offers builder support programs. Homescapes helps in choosing exterior color combinations.
Resources:
Deck Failure Study
DeckLok Bracket Systems
North American Deck & Railing Association
NADRA Deck Safety Check List
NAHB Press Release: "Builders Lead the Way in Energy Efficient Housing, Congress Told"
Sherwin Williams Builder Support Programs
Segment 2:
It's All About Building Products: eco-friendly siding that's easy to use, a wire that goes right on the wall, plus advice to help clients understand their new energy efficient windows.
Resources:
Pella Windows & Doors
Scott's Tool Box: LP Building Products SmartSide
Editor's Choice
DuraSquares
Found at IBS: FlatWire
Product of the Day Sweepstakes
Segment 3:
The Best Practices for doing business better: the ins and outs of using plastic piping in homes.
Resources:
BP Plastic Pipe Plumbing System
Build IQ
Segment 4:
A new label makes water efficiency easier to achieve, plus see how easy it can be to limit wated water when plumbing a shower.
Resources:
EPA WaterSense
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