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Residential Construction Starts In 2017: What Midwestern Builders...

The U.S. Census Bureau and the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development regularly release data on housing construction starts throughout the country. These numbers can be an extremely helpful indicator of both residential housing trends and the health of the economy overall. That’s because housing crises and economic recessions are often closely linked. When housing starts decline over sustained periods of time, the nation’s economy can suffer as a result. For builders, in particular, it’s imperative to stay up-to-date on these trends. Having a thorough understanding of residential construction starts in your region can help inform your entire business.…

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Multifamily Home Design Trends in 2017: What You Need To Know

Many design trends will endure the test of time, but that doesn’t mean it’s not important to stay on top of current trends. Quartz countertop manufacturers were overjoyed when quartz took the top countertop material spot from granite in 2014, but will that preference last or will it be merely a passing phase? If you’re a quartz countertop manufacturer or designer who does a lot of work with multifamily dwellings (like apartment buildings, condos, or properties with the potential for multi-generational living), you’ll want to pay close attention to this year’s top design trends. Sustainability is in Eco-friendly living is…

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What’s Hot In The Kitchen: Sink Trends In 2017

Even a minor kitchen remodel has an average ROI of 82.7%, so it’s no surprise that it’s one of the first areas homeowners look to when they want to give their house a little facelift. And although there will always be clients who gravitate more towards the traditional, most want to choose countertops, cabinets, and appliances that are currently on-trend, rather than ones that were “in” five years ago. Quartz countertop companies and contractors need to be aware of what’s new and exciting in the industry, as this will help customers weigh their options. To that end, here are a…

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How Will Lower Trade School Enrollment Affect Millwork?

As high schools around the country continue to push four-year higher education on their students, the country is experiencing a notable shift: more schools are pushing expensive university educations while dropping vocational education programs. So, what does this mean for vocational careers? They may become short staffed. Katherine Martinko writes in Tree Hugger that this shift toward higher education is detrimental for students who are more apt to have careers as countertop builders, quartz countertop distributors, welders, and mill workers. “While it may sound good, it’s a shortsighted and overly generalized goal to have for every young person, as they…

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Quartz vs Laminate: Which Should You Use In Your Next Commercial...

When it comes to commercial projects, one of the most important things to consider when remodeling a kitchen area is the type of countertop you’ll be using. According to a survey conducted by the National Association of Home Builders, 89% of those jobs that were requested were for kitchen remodels. Therefore, the type of material you use for your commercial project’s countertop can influence potential buyers greatly. But what kind of material is best for your project’s kitchen area? Laminate or quartz? The answer may seem obvious: quartz. After all, quartz is considered a cultured stone and is particularly beautiful…

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What Home Designers Need To Know About The Aging In Place Movement

It’s extremely common for kitchen and bathroom remodels to include the installation of laminate or quartz countertops. Since quartz countertops are actually now the most popular material used for this purpose, surpassing granite in 2014, it’s no surprise that people want to include it in their homes. But seniors who are preparing to age in place may have concerns beyond the appearance of their high quality countertops. They need them to be the optimal height and size while providing superior levels of safety. Here’s what kitchen and bathroom designers need to know about the aging in place movement and what…

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The Best Smartphone Apps Any General Contractor Should Know About

In today’s world, we are becoming incredibly reliant on technology for anything and everything. Our phones are never too far away and it is common practice to search the Internet for help on anything from cooking recipes to home improvement. This is especially true when installing large materials yourself in homes, such as quartz and laminate countertops. Luckily, there are plenty of smartphone apps available that will help you with this process that are particularly beneficial to countertop distributors and general contractors. Here, we explain some you should download today! Photo Measures This is the easiest way for you to…

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Steps to Follow When Creating a Predictable Revenue Stream in the...

Everyone knows that a small business needs a business plan to be successful in their field. However, not everyone realizes just how much hard work goes into creating a viable business plan. And once you put that plan into effect, you still have to be prepared to adapt and evolve as necessary. That’s why one of the most important things any owner can do is create a pipeline describing their revenue stream, and this is especially true in the construction sector. Creating a reliable and predictable revenue stream is of the utmost importance if you want to run a successful…

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Selling Your Countertop Business? Here are 3 Tips to Help You Get...

Are you a small business owner, focused on kitchen and bath, and looking to retire? If so, the time is now to start planning! Like anything else, you will want to ensure all your ducks — and cabinetry!– are in a row when it comes to preparing to depart from your business. To make sure everything goes as smoothly as possible, here are some tips for selling your countertop company. Step one: Plan as soon as you have the idea Even if you are planning to retire within the next ten years, start a process of planning your retirement as…

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Kitchen Bath Showroom Trends That Will Help to Drive Sales

Kitchen and bathrooms are hot topics when it comes to home remodeling, as homeowners believe remodeling and renovating these popular areas in the home will bring them the biggest return on their investment. If you’re a home remodeling contractor, how do you take advantage of this belief to improve your sales? Considering that there are so many features in both bathrooms and kitchens, it is important to showcase a variety of options for both areas. One of the best ways to do this is by updating your showroom, where you can show off your best materials to prospective buyers. However,…

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