AConcordCarpenter e-letter #20 Customer Service and Free tools!

Published: Tue, 12/06/11



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What's New With AConcordCarpenter?
 

 
This week I started a  fireplace mantle to cover a brick corbel [i.e., built out] fireplace shelf.  See below photo.
 
 
 
I used birch plywood where I could.  Birch plywood makes an excellent substitute for wide boards glued up - especially near heat.
 
Birch plywood has an "A" finish side and paints up  nicely.
 
 
 
On mantle projects you can never have enough clamps.  I used one handed grip clamps from BORA to do most of this project.
 
 
 
 

All of the trim and moldings is poplar.  I like poplar because it is reasonably stable, knot free and paints well.

 
 
 

 

Applying the moldings can be tedious.  I will detail this install on the website soon.

 
 
 
HOLIDAY TOOL GIVEAWAYS
 
The two tool giveaways below are offered to newsletter subscribers only - enjoy!
 
Win A PORTERCABLE Drill / Driver
 
Only 3 days left to enter . . .

 
The PCL180CDK-2 18 Volt Lithium Ion Drill/Driver was recently redesigned and offers a new motor and low impedance batteries that deliver 424 inch-pounds of max torque, a 30 percent improvement over the old model. The additional torque also provides 25 percent higher speed with 1,500 RPM in high gear.
 
 
 
-----------------------------------------------------
 
WIN A DEWALT DRILL / DRIVER
 

20 Volt Lithium-Ion Compact Drill Driver , Model DCD780C

 
 roof nailer
 
 
The other thing I wanted to let you know about is Duo-Fast's year-end online giveaway.
 
Between now and the end of the year, visitors to www.duo-fastconstruction.com can take a short survey and enter to win a free Duo-Fast Cordless Roofing System.
 

Check out my review  and video on this amazing cordless roofing nailer 
 


Homeowners Believe It's A Good Time To Remodel:

 

 
 
 
According to Hanley Wood's recent "Housing 360" research on consumer attitudes toward housing shows that 42% of homeowners believe it is a good time to remodel.
 
That number increases to 56% when household income is $100,000-plus, and it is 54% when home value is more than $500,000.
 
The research also suggests that tight credit is not a major impediment -- 80% of respondents say they pay for remodeling with cash savings.
 
It confirmed that 60% of home­owners 50 and older intend to stay in their homes through retirement, which will create demand for aging-in-place remodeling.

What Should We Focus On?

That research tells us two important things; potential clients are middle to upper class income and another class of clients will be 50 years plus.

The research the money is being spent on maintenance, repair, and replacement projects.
 
These remodeling projects are usually the least expensive projects but still contribute to curb appeal, which is a strong subjective factor among home buyers.  They are also projects that are associated with regular home maintenance.

Projects priced less than $19,000 but that have that immediate effect on curb appeal appearance like siding, window, or door-replacement projects are popular.

Materials that use durable, low-maintenance replacement items are also appealing to customers.

Interior Remodeling

The Attic Bedroom project, averaging $50,148 nationally, and basement remodel being more expensive are very popular.  
 
One reason for the high value placed on this project, is that it is the least expensive way to add a bathroom and bedroom, within the home's existing footprint.

Small scale kitchen face lifts just under $20,000 is also popular.  Things like replacement cabinet doors, drawer fronts and hardware, as well as new counter tops and appliances.

Exterior Remodeling

Entrance and Garage Doors replacement, are inexpensive projects but high on the curb appeal list, as is fiber-cement siding replacement and a wood deck addition.

People seem to think of having a deck as essential rather than discretionary to their outdoor living space.

 

 
Customer Satisfaction: 
 
 
 

Developing a long-term client relationship:


 

I always try to remind myself that research has proven hat it is more expensive to win a new customer than to keep an existing one.

Here are a 8 tips to help you cultivate and keep your clients:  Read the three posts below these tips for more in depth information.

  • The customer is always right -- you'll never gain a sale by winning an argument.

  • Customer complaints are opportunities; draw them out.

  • Be clear and direct when speaking about money.

  •   Always leave the site neat and organized

  • Inspect your own work for warranty issues long after completion.

  • Do small extras for free, e.g., recommending a good sub-contractor or repairing something that takes a few minutes of your time  

  • Send a thank you note for every referral.

  • Follow up on a project you didn't get; they'll realize you are motivated and interested in their project.

    RELATED POSTS:

    Top Customer Satisfaction Tips

    Increasing Your Sales

    Low Cost Marketing

     

     


     

     

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    		•
    Who Is Concord Carpenter?
     

    Robert Robillard is editor of the blog, A Concord Carpenter and principal of a carpentry and renovation business located in Concord, Massachusetts.

    Rob hosts the Concord Carpenter Cable TV Show, offering the do-it-yourself audience in Boston's Meto West region expert advice on home repairs and maintenance.

    On his website, Rob covers all aspects of home improvement and remodeling, specializing in problem solving for home maintenance. Rob enjoys evaluating and reviewing tools and products and restoring vintage tools.

    The Concord Carpenter's motto: "Well done is better than well said!"


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