Voices
Canadian home sales edge higher in August, says the Canadian Real Estate Association (CREA)
by canadiancontractorOTTAWA, Sept. 16, 2019 /CNW/ – Statistics released today by the Canadian Real Estate Association (CREA) show national home sales were up in August 2019. Highlights: National home sales rose 1.4% month-over-month (m-o-m) in August. Actual (not seasonally adjusted) activity…
More on what you pay your Project Managers: David Litwiller, Litwiller Renovations and Custom Homes Ltd., Calgary, AB
by canadiancontractor“They (my PMs) were hourly paid, making $70 to $80K per year on a regular basis “
More on what you pay your Project Managers: Evolve Builders Inc.
by canadiancontractor“Our target wages for the role start at $50k up to $80k, with the median at about $64k.”
Systems are good, but build loyalty first
by Robert Koci“A company with loyalty as a key driver of its culture would have quickly realized from feedback that falling sales were clearly a symptom of the system’s installation”
We asked our RenoFocus contractors how much they paid their project managers. Here’s one Toronto contractor’s response
by canadiancontractor“Our standard base salary is between $55-60k and goes against a base $750k revenue”
Myths of contractors continued: I save money by doing chores myself
by canadiancontractor“If you can’t point to some fundamental improvement you haven’t been doing the job of a general manager”
“Heavy upfront deposits help cash flow. We take 25% on acceptance and another 25% one day prior to starting.”
by canadiancontractor“Valid and reliable companies take massive risks for every job we take on”
In 2020, the spray polyurethane foam (SPF) insulation business will have new standards to meet.
by canadiancontractor“Reducing greenhouse gases and climate pollutants is essential to the long-term survival of the planet and more urgently needed than ever in 2019”
Negotiating stories to learn from
by Mike Draper“One contractor we spoke to about this topic said it was tough to provide any tips because he’s not the negotiating type anymore, for good reason”
Everyone gets paid once the client pays
by canadiancontractor“In Ontario, within seven days of the receiving the owner’s payment, GC’s must pay sub contractors”
Grow your sales, blow up your business
by canadiancontractor“Make sure you understand what you will need to fund the increase in project costs”
How to enjoy being a struggling renovator by bringing Future You back here
by Robert Koci“thank your lucky stars that you have struggles and suffering to engage you, to improve you, to define you”
Code changes that could save thousand$ Part 2: The need for innovation: slab on grade
by canadiancontractorWhy do we build foundations a minimum of 4 feet below grade in Canada?
Markup and Margin: Where renovation companies go to die
by Mike Draper“Ten plus 10 is so yesterday”
How to get the most out of your accountant from starting up to getting out
by canadiancontractor“A good relationship with your accountant that extends beyond tax season can yield valuable information and contacts when it comes to your business’ sore points”
YOUR VOICE: A $15/hour minimum wage would be good for the construction industry
by Robert Koci“A minimum wage puts poor Canadians effectively out of work”
YOUR VOICE last week: Only women need apply. What you said about hiring policies based on gender
by Robert Koci“If a homeowner says they need all female painters, or me to be on site with my male crew for perceived safety reasons, I encourage them to call someone else”
YOUR VOICE: Topic: Does Canada over-regulate, under-regulate or well-regulate the building industry?
by Robert Koci“Builders, developers and renovators will do anything to make a buck, including cut corners and build structures that are unsafe and bad for the environment.”