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March 2010: New LowesForPros Articles & Features

By: 
LowesForPros Staff
Issue Date: 
March 2010

For many regions of the U.S., March marks an increase in contruction business as snow thaws, the ground softens and homeowers open their doors to expansion and remodeling projects. At LowesForPros we're gearing up for some major changes as well, expecting to roll out a redesigned homepage and navigation system that will make it much easier to find what you're looking for.  

Expect some serious improvements in the coming months, ranging from a cleaner homepage, a daily construction news feed, weekly article updates (instead of monthly), featured construction columnists, and a whole lot more.  Stay tuned!   

In the meantime, don't forget to check out our new Construction Trade Pages: 

Our new articles for March 2010:

News and Advice for All Building Professionals

  • Networking Tips for Your Small Business :  Networking is an involved process that involves time, communication skills and forward-thinking. Once you start to build relationships and hone your ‘soft skills,’ it will become second nature and your business will grow.
  • Customer Retention
    Customer retention is important for all businesses in this economy. Positive customer relationships and brand loyalty can be established through exceptional customer service, social networking Web sites, online newsletters, surveys and running a socially responsible business.

Advice for Builders and Remodelers

  • Work safely on a roofWork Safely on the Roof :  In construction, one-third of all fall-related deaths involve falls from a roof. Roof work can be especially dangerous for construction workers, but certain precautions and equipment can help ensure contractors stay safe.
  • Master Bath Remodels :  As homeowners wait for their home’s value to stabilize, a master bath remodel is a surefire way to create equity and increase enjoyment of their current residence.

Advice for Property Managers

  • Effective Disposal Methods of Personal Property :  When tenants leave behind personal items after moving out, property managers must follow legal guidelines before the disposal or sale of abandoned property. Having a clear lease agreement and seeking the advice of an attorney can help you determine the correct course of action.
  • Effective Record-Keeping Tips for Property Managers
    In order to run a safe and efficient business it is critical for property managers to track all of their operations and keep any important documents relating to financial processes or contracts.

Advice for Maintenance ProfessionalsIs day cleaning right for your facility?

  • Day Cleaning: Is it Right For Your Facility? :  In a traditional office setting, the custodial crew comes out to clean just as the stragglers of the nine-to-five workday leave for home. But with more facilities managers focused on energy efficiency, many are looking to day cleaning to save companies money and energy.
  • Understanding Electrical Systems at Your Facility :  In order for facility managers to reduce energy costs and consumption, they must have a handle on how much energy their facility consumes, starting with electricity. Here’s how to analyze, understand and optimize your building’s electricity usage.

Advice for Landscapers

  • Exercise Biological Control: Insects and Organisms that Benefit Landscapes :  Looking for more eco-friendly options to maintain their landscapes, many consumers are leaning toward more natural ways to fight pests and beautify their yards. Beneficial insects and organisms, such as spiders or ladybugs, can provide a natural solution that eliminates the potentially harmful effects of pesticides and chemicals.
  • Offer Your Clients an Effective Irrigation Maintenance Plan :  To protect your clients’ landscaping investments, professional landscapers should offer an irrigation maintenance plan that includes seasonal adjustments, scheduling intervals, matching precipitation levels and reliable timers that keep the system functioning efficiently.

Advice for Plumbers

  • Make More Money With Extended Hours :  Although many plumbers offer extended-hour services, it takes a great plumber to understand how an extended-hours program improves customer retention and maximizes profits.
  • Install Residential Fire Sprinklers :  The mandate requiring fire sprinklers in residential homes starting in 2011 will likely provide many business opportunities for plumbers who obtain the proper training and licensing.
  • Geothermal Loop Installations and Your Plumbing Business :  Geothermal loop systems (or ground-source heat pumps), which use the earth’s even temperature to provide an energy-efficient method of heating and cooling, can shave hundreds of dollars per month off a utility bill. Understanding how these systems work can offer plumbing companies an edge.

Advice for Electricians

  • Improve Your Job Profitability :  Better sBecome an electrical inspectorcheduling, task organization, competitive bidding and resource conservation are essential elements that every business owner must adopt in order to improve every job’s profitability.
  • Becoming an Electrical Inspector :  Electrical inspectors visit every job site to ensure that all wiring and electrical systems are installed correctly and up to code. With the proper certification, a new career as an electrical inspector can be a logical and rewarding move for any professional electrician.
  • Fiber Optics: The Pulse of the Future :  Fiber optic cables provide maximum speed for all types of electronic data transmission. Revving up this advanced technology demands that electricians be well-versed in the tricks of the trade—including mechanical and fusion splicing, and working with connectorized cables for optimal distances.
  • Why Your Business Should Install Lightning Protection Systems :  Lightning protection systems significantly improve human, building and electrical system safety. While still a niche market, Lightening Protection Institute (LPI) certification can open up your company to increased sources of revenue and save client’s money on costly lightning repairs.
*Note: This content is for informational purposes only. Lowe's makes no warranties and bears no liability for use of this information. The information is not intended, and should not be construed, as legal, tax or investment advice, or a legal opinion. Always contact your legal, tax and/or financial advisors to help answer questions about your business's specific situation or needs prior to taking any action based upon this information.